Postdoctoral Fellows

Venture capital funded postdoctoral opportunities in

Ion channel structural biophysics and pharmacology

The DeCaen Lab (https://decaenlab.com) has received a large influx of venture capital funds to pursue preclinical drug development for several ion channel targets. We are seeking motivated postdoctoral fellows who desire further training in drug discovery while utilizing their existing expertise in Ion Channel Biophysics and/or Structural Biology. Start dates are flexible and can begin as early as June 1, 2021.

About us

We are located at Northwestern’s medical campus in downtown Chicago. Our group focuses on developing and applying novel biophysical methodologies to study ion channels. We specialize in determining their molecular interactions during conformational changes and binding with drugs— with the goal of understanding how to regulate their function during disease.  We are interested in several organ systems, including the brain and kidney.

Some areas we are investigating are…

• Identifying new channel receptor sites to create first-in-class therapeutics.
• Drug design and repurposing for common and neglected diseases.

Position description

We are looking for highly motivated researchers with experience in any of the following areas:

Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cryo-EM, Electrophysiology and Neurobiology. Experience in the following specialized techniques are beneficial but not a perquisite: yeast growth assays, high-through put electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and protein purification. Joining our lab presents a tremendous opportunity to cross-train and expand your existing skill set. Come teach us what you know and learn from what we know!

Why join our Lab?

This is an early drug discovery project in which successful candidates will master skills which directly translate to industry and academics applications. We are a multidisciplinary and highly collaborative group situated in a fantastic environment. We carry-out several external projects within integrated neurobiology (http://www.nuin.northwestern.edu/), pharmacology (https://www.pharm.northwestern.edu/) and molecular biophysics departments at Northwestern (https://www.biophysics.northwestern.edu/).

To apply, please email me paul.decaen@northwestern.edu your CV or biosketch, a cover letter describing your interests and their alignment with the goals of the project.