Postdoctoral Researcher

Medical College of Wisconsin

parental leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 403(b)

United States, Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Apr 14, 2025

Position Description:

Every great life-changing discovery begins the same way-with new knowledge. It can change everything, from a single life to the future of entire communities. That's why academic medicine, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge, is at the center of everything we do at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). In the role of a Postdoctoral Researcher you will be working in Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy.

Purpose

Post-doctoral position is available in the Department of Cell Biology focused on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protein structure and dynamics toward drug discovery of new medicines. Our lab is a highly-creative and dynamic Cell Biology lab involved in cutting-edge technologies collaborating internationally on projects with other labs. We specialize in pharmacology and using protein structure to design and screen compounds as potential drugs at various GPCR signaling pathways aimed at treating depression, pain, cancer, and various other diseases.

This post-doctoral position will study chemical probes, potential and current drugs being developed in the laboratory toward understanding their unique GPCR signaling properties using structural determination and biophysical methods of GPCR function. Projects will involve protein expression/purification, cryo-EM structure determination, X-ray crystallography, radiolabeling kinetic studies, and possibly using biophysical methods such as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR/DEER), and protein nuclear magentic resonance (NMR) approaches. Post-docs will be expected to publish and collaborate on high-impact discoveries from the lab and have opportunity to develop their own project goals.

We welcome highly-motivated and well-organzied candidates capable of independent work in a laboratory setting. Candidates should have strong interests in medicine and/or pharmacology, demonstrate strong track records in structural biology and/or other protein biophysical methods, with experience with cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography.

Primary Functions

Design expression constructs using PCR-based methods including Gibson assembly and site-directed mutagenesis.

Perform advanced purification techniques such as affinity chromatography (e.g. His, FLAG, or streptavidin) on membrane proteins, analyze purity, and concentrate protein for use in experiments.

Determine structural motifs within membrane proteins that allow for maximal expression and/or fusion techniques for macromolecular complex assembly.

Perform data collection using cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography techniques and determine structures with high resolution.

Perform weekly experiments, data analysis, and data archiving according to supervisors' specifications

Participate in international collaborations and communication with the principal investigators and fellow scientists when needed for projects.

Participate in regular one-on-one and lab meetings with principal investigator and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, evaluate lab procedures.

Interact and participate in departmental meetings, including relevant seminars and journal clubs.

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

Doctorate in biochemistry or structural biology related field is required.

Applicants should have strong scientific communication skills and scientific integrity.

Successful applicants should be highly self-motivated with strong publication track record, and the ability to think and work independently.

Applicants should have extensive experience with common biochemistry and molecular biology techniques such as PCR, transformation, protein purification and protein quantification. Candidates with extensive structural biology backgrounds are strongly urged to apply.

Candidates with cryo-EM experience are preferred.

Preferred Schedule:

Full Time/Variable

Position Requirements:

Minimum Required Education: PhD

Minimum Required Experience: Laboratory experience required

Preferred Education: Biochemistry or related field

Preferred Experience: Cryo-EM or protein structure determination

Field: Structure Biology

Why MCW?

Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
403B Retirement Package
Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Parental Leave
Pet Insurance
On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes.
Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a full list of positions see: www.mcw.edu/careers

For a brief overview of our benefits see: https://www.mcw.edu/departments/human-resources/benefits

At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring - Collaborative - Curiosity - Inclusive - Integrity - Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.