Postdoctoral position in Proteomics/Cellular Signaling at Stanford

Posted 23 Mar 2023

Huttenhain Lab, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine

United States (Post Doc)

https://med.stanford.edu/mcp/research.html


Summary of the position: The Huttenhain Lab in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology is looking for postdoctoral fellows to study mechanisms of intracellular signal integration through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) using cutting edge mass spectrometry-based proteomics, functional genomics, and molecular biology techniques. Applicants with expertise and interest in either (1) mass spectrometry-based proteomics, (2) molecular and cell biology including neuroscience, GPCRs, functional genomics or related techniques, or (3) computational biology are encouraged to apply.

Lab overview: The communication between cells and their environment depends on decoding of extracellular cues into intracellular signaling cascades that are integrated through dynamic and context-specific networks driving the cellular responses. Given the complexity and dynamic state of signaling networks, the current understanding of their constituents and how they are spatiotemporally regulated in the cell as a result of a specific input is incomplete. The Huttenhain lab, which will launch in April 2023 in the Molecular & Cellular Physiology Department (https://med.stanford.edu/mcp.html) at Stanford Medicine, studies mechanisms of intracellular signal integration through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of membrane receptors mediating most of our physiological responses to hormones, neurotransmitters and environmental stimulants. We employ an interdisciplinary approach to probe, model, and predict how signaling network dynamics translate extracellular cues sensed by GPCRs into specific phenotypic outputs. Developing quantitative proteomics approaches to capture the spatiotemporal organization of signaling networks and combining these with functional genomics and molecular biology techniques to study their impact on physiology, we aim to better understand GPCR signaling and to provide a solid foundation for the design and testing of novel therapeutics targeting GPCRs with higher specificity and efficacy.

Relevant publications:

  • Lobingier B, Hüttenhain R, Eichel K, Ting AY, Miller KB, von Zastrow M, Krogan NJ. (2017) An approach to spatiotemporally resolve protein interaction networks in living cells. Cell 169, 350-360. PMC5616215.
  • Polacco BJ, Lobingier BT, Blythe EE, Abreu N, Xu J, Li Q, Naing ZZC, Shoichet BK, Levitz J, Krogan NJ, Von Zastrow M, Hüttenhain R. (2022) Profiling the diversity of agonist-selective effects on the proximal proteome environment of G protein-coupled receptors. bioRxiv 2022.03.28.486115

Specific postdoctoral projects may include:

  • Develop quantitative proteomics approaches to map spatiotemporally resolved interaction and signaling networks of GPCRs.
  • Mapping signaling network dynamics of GPCRs in neuronal systems to uncover novel regulators and mechanisms of neuromodulation.
  • Discover mechanisms how diverse ligands targeting GPCRs elicit diverse phenotypic responses.
  • Develop computational approaches to model spatiotemporally resolved signaling networks.

Academic environment: Stanford University provides a highly stimulating scientific environment that fosters collaborations and the exchange of ideas within and across disciplines. The Molecular & Cellular Physiology Department (https://med.stanford.edu/mcp.html) offers a world-class scientific environment and supports postdoctoral scholars throughout their postdoc with mentoring and training programs, seminar series, and annual retreats. The Huttenhain lab is committed to foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environment with passion for science and mentorship. Trainees will have access to an outstanding infrastructure and resources including dedicated state-of-the-art mass spectrometers.

Required Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in life sciences, biomedical sciences, computer science, or a related discipline.
  • Experience and publication record in neuroscience, proteomics, genetics, molecular biology, and/or computational biology.
  • Ability to work well in a multidisciplinary, diverse, and collaborative research environment.
  • A genuine passion for science, and creative thinking.
  • Being self-motivated.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Perks

Postdoc Appointment Term:
1-year long, with the high chance of extension upon mutual agreement.

Appointment Start Date:
Flexible, starting from April 2023

Pay Range:
$68,238 - $72,000

How to Apply

Please send the following application materials to ruthh@stanford.edu:

Cover letter that includes a description of relevant research experience and research interests.

Curriculum vitae (including a complete publication list).

Names and contact information for 2-3 references.