Postdoctoral Associate – Physiology & Biophysics…

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A Postdoctoral  Associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Manfred Lindau University of Miami, Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics to investigate the mechanistic role of SNAREs and accessory proteins in the dynamics of vesicle docking, priming and fusion. The main goal of our research is to generate a detailed understanding of docking, priming, and fusion on the nanomechanical scale, generating molecular movies that show the actual structural dynamics beyond the description in the form of cartoons. We expect strong interest to investigate membrane fusion using electrophysiological, electrochemical and advanced fluorescence imaging techniques. One approach combines amperometry using microfabricated electrochemical detector (ECD) arrays with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) imaging to study the molecular mechanism of vesicle fusion and transmitter release in chromaffin cells. A second approach uses whole cell patch clamp capacitance measurements to investigate the functional performance of fluorescently labeled proteins in knock-out mouse embryonal chromaffin cells and the function of otherwise modified proteins involved in vesicle priming and fusion. A third approach combines the microfabricated ECD arrays, with reconstituted supported membranes to study fusion of isolated chromaffin granules simultaneously by amperometry and TIRF imaging. Applicants should have a strong background in molecular biology, including development and expression of proteins carrying specific mutations and constructs carrying fluorescent labels. These constructs will be expressed in live cells or generated as recombinant proteins to be incorporated in lipid vesicles for incorporation into reconstituted supported membranes.

Please send your application with names of 2 or 3 references to Dr. Manfred Lindau < [email protected]

Job Functions

• Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned. 

• Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing. 

• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories. 

• Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories. 

• Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions. 

• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets. 

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary. 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field  

• No prior experience required 

• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems. 

• MD simulations using GROMACS 

• Conversion of protein complex pdb structures to coarse grained models 

• Coarse grained simulations using MARTINI force field 

• Atomistic simulations using GROMOS96 

• Simulations of membrane self assembly 

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The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida’s only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We’re the challenge you’ve been looking for.

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The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff

Pay Grade:

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