Postdoctoral Researcher - Biophysics

Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan (403b)

Vacation and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Job summary

The Medical College of Wisconsin invites applications for a postdoctoral scientist to investigate GPCR signal transduction in cardiovascular contexts. You will lead experiments, analyze data, and contribute to manuscripts while collaborating with a network of world-class partners.

The role emphasizes independent project leadership, advanced spectroscopy (EPR) methods, and dissemination of findings at conferences. A strong publication record and PhD are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field with strong GPCR pharmacology background.
• Experience in mammalian cell signaling and biochemistry.
• Proven writing and presentation skills with first-author publications.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and independently execute GPCR signaling studies.
• Design experiments, analyze data, and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with external partners on related projects.
• Plan and manage complex research protocols and timelines.
• Oversee data organization, reporting, and manuscript preparation.

Skills

GPCR pharmacology

Cell signaling

Biochemistry

FRET/BRET-based assays

Mammalian cell culture

Site-directed mutagenesis

Magnetic resonance

Electron paramagnetic resonance

Hardware/software interfacing

Python

MATLAB

LabView

C/C++

Scientific writing

Data analysis

Education

PhD

Tools

EPR spectrometers

Job description

Summary

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our investigations of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signal transduction as it relates to cardiovascular disease, and in particular the molecular basis for adrenergic and angiotensin receptor signaling. Our lab uses a variety of experimental and computational biophysical techniques to characterize protein structure and dynamics in these studies, notably continuous-wave and pulsed EPR methods such as DEER spectroscopy. We have free access to eight internally developed and commercial EPR spectrometers housed within the Department of Biophysics. For a complete list of resources, see https://www.mcw.edu/departments/national-biomedical-epr-center/facilities.

Supervise and independently execute studies related to the project described above, including performing experiments, analyzing data, and disseminating results through presenting at conferences and writing manuscripts. Additionally, our lab works with an extensive network of world-class collaborators to study other aspects of GPCR signaling including biased agonism and allostery, and the post-doctoral fellow is expected to take an active role in one or more of these projects.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise and independently execute studies related to the project described above
• Performing experiments, analyzing data, and disseminating results through presenting at conferences and writing manuscripts.
• Work with an extensive network of world-class collaborators to study other aspects of GPCR signaling including biased agonism and allostery
• Expected to take an active role in one or more of these projects.
• Plan, design and execute complex research studies, procedures and protocols.
• Participate in discovery projects.
• Coordinate research study activities; lead and manage projects.
• Oversee organization, synthesis and analysis of data and findings.
• Prepare scientific reports, outcome findings and scientific manuscripts.
• Participate in meetings with principle investigator and research staff in which you will evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, and design and evaluate lab procedures.
• Maintain supplies, may require negotiation with vendors, and track purchase orders.
• May oversee the work of laboratory personnel including training and development as well as daily work direction, delegation and establishing priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

• Pharmacology, cell signaling, and/or biochemistry of GPCRs
• FRET/BRET-based cell signaling assays
• Mammalian cell culture and purification of functional membrane proteins embedded in a micelle or lipid (nanodisc) environment
• Site-directed mutagenesis for site-specific incorporation of spectroscopic probes (e.g. spin labels or fluorescent labels)
• Magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance
• Hardware/software interfacing
• Python, MATLAB, LabView, C/C++
• Excellent writing skills, as evidenced by first author publications
• Required knowledge in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics
• Documentation, records management and data utilization skills
• Complex problem solving, critical thinking, and resource management
• Writing skills

Qualifications

Minimum Required Education: PhD

Minimum Required Experience: 0 years

Preferred Experience: Expertise in GPCR pharmacology and signaling

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview

For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers

At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring - Collaborative - Curiosity - Inclusive - Integrity - Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.