Postdoctoral position in Structural Biology - Scott Blanchard Lab

Thecentermemphis; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Thecentermemphis in Memphis, TN is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for advanced GPCR signaling research. The successful candidate will lead experimental designs, analyze data, and mentor junior researchers. A Ph.D. in life sciences and familiarity with single-molecule analyses are required. Experience with GPCR characterization is preferred. The position offers a collaborative and mission-driven environment to advance research in structural biology within St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Qualifications

• Experience in GPCR signaling studies and/or single-molecule fluorescence analyses highly preferred.
• 0–3 years of post-PhD experience.
• Direct experience with isolation and functional characterization of GPCRs strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental design, execution, and data analysis of GPCR studies.
• Engineer and isolate high-quality GPCR and signaling partner samples.
• Train and mentor graduate students and visiting scientists.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Quantitative biophysical approaches

Computational approaches

Single-molecule analysis

Leadership skills

Education

Ph.D. in life science or other physical science

Job description

Position Overview

Postdoctoral research associate position available in the lab of Scott Blanchard at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Structural Biology. The lab seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with experience in molecular biology, biochemistry (preferably membrane proteins) and quantitative biophysical or computational approaches to understand the basis of GPCR signaling fidelity at single‑molecule scale and accelerate next‑generation GPCR‑targeting drug discovery.

Our interdisciplinary, collaborative, mission‑driven environment requires a creative, team‑oriented individual with strong leadership skills who will ensure the highest quality operations to advance the lab’s and St. Jude’s scientific mission.

The ideal candidate is a recent PhD graduate (not more than three years ago) who can independently propose new hypotheses, design experiments, analyze data with minimal supervision, and present complex information clearly both verbally and in writing. Passion to learn and navigate new research fields is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the experimental design, execution, and data analysis of biophysical studies characterizing GPCR structural dynamics with in vivo downstream signaling response.
• Engineer and isolate high‑quality, homogeneous samples of GPCRs and signaling partners for ensemble and single‑molecule analytical assays.
• Expand technical skillset through training in smFRET imaging to perform experiments, analyze complex datasets, and develop quantitative models of GPCR signaling mechanisms.
• Lead projects independently from hypothesis to high‑quality oral presentations and publications.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary group of researchers as part of a multi‑institutional collaboration, including presentations to a broad audience.
• Train and mentor graduate students, postdocs and visiting scientists.
• Instruct other staff in basic laboratory techniques and procedures.

Minimum Education

• Ph.D. in life science or other physical science.

Minimum Experience

• 0–3 years of post‑PhD experience.
• Prior experience in GPCR signaling studies and/or single‑molecule fluorescence analyses is highly preferred.
• Direct experience with isolation and functional characterization of GPCRs and their signaling partners (G‑proteins, arrestins, GPCR kinases, etc.) is strongly preferred.

Selected Publications

• Parallel stopped‑flow interrogation of diverse biological systems at the single‑molecule scale
• Single-Molecule Imaging of Integral Membrane Protein Dynamics and Function
• GPCR-mediated β‑arrestin activation deconvoluted with single‑molecule precision
• Single‑molecule analysis of ligand efficacy in β2AR‑G‑protein activation
• Single‑molecule FRET imaging of GPCR dimers in living cells
• Quantifying secondary transport at single‑molecule resolution
• CFTR function, pathology and pharmacology at single‑molecule resolution

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer.