Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Description

Job Description:

The Quick lab has been actively involved in both basic and applied research in the area of membrane transport processes with special interest in the physiology, bioenergetics, and molecular dynamics of Na+-coupled transport proteins. Using biochemical, biophysical, and molecular biological approaches, a major part of Dr. Quick’s research focuses on the structure and function of neurotransmitter transporters, the molecular targets of psychostimulants. His studies, in collaboration with leading experts in the field of computational biophysics, single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and crystallography, led to the discovery of a novel molecular mechanism of Na+-coupled symport and how antidepressant drugs inhibit transport.

Duties:

• Conduct laboratory research centered around membrane proteins.
• Design and perform experiments; collect and analyze data.
• Participate in the coordination of collaborative approaches with laboratories across Columbia University as well as national and international top-tier institutions.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Engage in scientific communication at conferences.
• Participate in the training of junior lab members.
• Participate in grant preparations

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Ph.D. neuroscience, pharmacology, biochemistry, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise beyond the minimum skill requirements are welcome to apply. The candidate should have a strong publication record and demonstrated experience working with membrane proteins. Strong computational skills for specialized scientific software (plotting software, DNA sequence analysis software, equipment control software), drive and motivation, and demonstrated aptitude for performing independent research while being receptive to mentorship, as well as the experience and interest in training and mentoring team members, are highly desirable qualifications. 

Minimum Skills Required:

The candidate should have fundamental knowledge in the preparation of bacterial, insect and mammalian cell cultures for the isolation of targeted membrane proteins from these sources. Other required skills include but are not limited to the purification of detergent-solubilized membrane proteins, their reconstitution into artificial membrane systems of defined lipid environment (i.e., proteoliposomes and nanodiscs), and their functional evaluation using methods using electrophysiology, colorimetric and spectroscopic assays as well as radiotracer-based transport and binding studies. Also, the execution of a variety of molecular biology methods, as well as protein-biochemical analytical methods, is considered a required minimum skill set. Basic knowledge in the use of general office-based software as well as in the use of specialized scientific software is required. A minimum of three years in an active (wet lab) research setting is required.

Application Instructions

Applicants are required to create an applicant profile and upload a CV in Columbia’s online Academic Search and Recruiting (ASR) system.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.