POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER - Biophysics - Wang Lab [Req#: 972013, Position#: 133404]

UT Southwestern • Dallas, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Training position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Weiwei Wang, Associate Professor in the Department of Biophysics at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The Postdoctoral Researcher will conduct advanced research under assigned directives aligned with the scientific mission of the Wang Lab. The lab focuses on elucidating the structural mechanisms underlying ion channel function, with particular emphasis on understanding how channels operate both as individual units and as higher-order supramolecular assemblies. A central component of this position involves exploring the structural biology of ion channels using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine high-resolution structures of channels in functionally relevant states. The postdoc will uncover mechanistic insights into gating, selectivity, trafficking, and allosteric regulation, and will investigate how multimeric and oligomeric channel assemblies modulate cellular signaling. The role will include using cryo-EM to resolve channel conformations and to map interactions between channels and their regulatory partners. Functional characterization is a key component of the lab's work. The postdoc will employ electrophysiology (patch-clamp recordings) and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to correlate structural states with channel function, measure gating kinetics, and interrogate the behavior of individual channels and channel assemblies in real time. Another key aspect of the position involves discovering and characterizing novel small molecule modulators of ion channel activity. The postdoc will contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery efforts employing AI-based screening approaches and DNA-encoded library (DEL) screens to identify channel-targeting compounds. This work will bridge structural biology and chemical biology to link molecular architecture to pharmacological function and to advance therapeutic applications for diseases involving ion channel dysfunction.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, chemical biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated potential for innovation in ion channel biology, structural biology, or chemical biology.

Nice To Haves

• Cryo-EM structure determination, particularly of membrane proteins
• Ion channel biology and electrophysiology (patch-clamp techniques)
• Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and related biophysical approaches
• Protein expression, purification, and functional characterization of membrane proteins
• Drug discovery methods, including AI-based screening, DNA-encoded library (DEL) technologies, or fragment-based screening
• Computational analysis, molecular modeling, bioinformatics, or scientific visualization

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research under assigned directives aligned with the scientific mission of the Wang Lab.
• Explore the structural biology of ion channels using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine high-resolution structures of channels in functionally relevant states.
• Uncover mechanistic insights into gating, selectivity, trafficking, and allosteric regulation.
• Investigate how multimeric and oligomeric channel assemblies modulate cellular signaling.
• Use cryo-EM to resolve channel conformations and to map interactions between channels and their regulatory partners.
• Employ electrophysiology (patch-clamp recordings) and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to correlate structural states with channel function, measure gating kinetics, and interrogate the behavior of individual channels and channel assemblies in real time.
• Discover and characterize novel small molecule modulators of ion channel activity.
• Contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery efforts employing AI-based screening approaches and DNA-encoded library (DEL) screens to identify channel-targeting compounds.
• Bridge structural biology and chemical biology to link molecular architecture to pharmacological function and to advance therapeutic applications for diseases involving ion channel dysfunction.
• Perform cryo-EM structure determination.
• Conduct electrophysiological recordings.
• Perform single-molecule fluorescence microscopy experiments.
• Utilize molecular biology techniques.
• Perform recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Engage in computational modeling and analysis.
• Apply drug discovery methods.
• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to data acquisition, computational tasks, and scientific visualization to help advance innovative discoveries within the lab.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree