About the position
A postdoc position is available in the lab of Dr. Taosheng Chen. Drug toxicity and resistance are the leading causes of therapeutic failures. The Chen Lab studies the chemical regulation of nuclear xenobiotic receptors, the molecular basis of signal crosstalk among nuclear receptors, and the mechanism of selective modulation of highly homologous drug-metabolizing enzymes. We are taking a hypothesis-driven and technology-enabled multidisciplinary approach to develop chemical probes and investigate biological mechanisms. In particular, we use the promiscuous pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) as models. PXR and CAR transcriptionally regulate cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and CYP3A5-drug-metabolizing enzymes that metabolize more than 50% of clinical drugs, the dysregulation of which contributes to drug toxicity and drug resistance. Our goal is to understand nuclear receptor-regulated transcription networks, enzyme-drug interactions, and design therapeutic approaches to overcome drug resistance and toxicity in cellular and animal models.
Responsibilities
- Work in a multidisciplinary team to study the regulation of PXR and CAR, or CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, by developing or characterizing novel chemical probes.
- Contribute to or lead the effort of the multidisciplinary team, organize and prepare manuscripts for publications.
- Train on manuscript and grant writing and encouraged to prepare and submit grant proposals.
Requirements
- Strong publication record and motivation to perform high quality research and publish impactful papers.
- PhD degree in biology, chemical biology, or structural biology.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in using chemical biology approaches to investigate protein-ligand interactions and understand the mechanistic insights and functional outcomes.
- Effective communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively; willing to and capable of learning new skills needed to complete the research projects.
Benefits
- Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists, coupled with cutting-edge technology, accelerates research productivity.
- Experience specifically designed programs to enhance professional growth and career readiness empowering postdocs for success beyond their training.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
