Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Structural Biology, Tao Lab

The position

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Tao lab and the Membrane Protein group within the Department of Structural Biology at Genentech. The successful candidate will apply biochemical, biophysical and structural biology methods to investigate the structure & function of membrane proteins and membrane protein complexes relevant to human health and diseases. You will work in a highly collaborative group, closely interfacing with research biology and technology labs to perform cutting-edge membrane protein research while being exposed to drug discovery in a world-class environment. You will have access to X-ray crystallography, a state-of-the-art cryo-EM facility in-house, exceptional resources and the opportunity to work in a highly stimulating and scientifically rich environment. Projects will involve groups across different therapeutic areas, both within Genentech and academia.Your seminal discoveries are expected to be published in top-tier journals and presented at external conferences.

Who you are:

• PhD in structural biology, biochemistry, or a related field with one or more first-author publications in leading peer-reviewed journals.

• A strong background in membrane protein biochemistry, with extensive hands-on experience and demonstrated success optimizing the expression and purification of membrane proteins is required.

• Prior experience with biochemical/biophysical characterization and structure determination of membrane proteins by single-particle cryo-EM and/or X-ray crystallography is required.

• Strong oral and written communication skills are essential.

• Self-motivated, independent, curious and rigorous researcher, willing to collaborate and learn new skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience of using different extraction/reconstitution approaches is highly desired.

• Experience with mammalian/insect cell culture, BacMam expression system is a plus.

• Experience with or strong interest in purification from native/endogenous sources is a plus.

• Prior experience with or strong interest in studying membrane proteins in synthetic liposomes or native membrane vesicles with cryo-EM or cryo-ET is a plus.

• Prior experience or knowledge with electrophysiology in studying ion channels, assay development for functional characterization is a plus.

Documents required for application: Cover letter and CV

Recent relevant publications:

• Xiao Tao*, Chen Zhao*, Roderick MacKinnon. Membrane protein isolation and structure determination in cell-derived membrane vesicles. (2023) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.120(18):e2302325120. (*equal contribution)

• Yiming Niu, Xiao Tao, George Vaisey, Olinares PDB, Alwaseem H, Chait BT, RoderickMacKinnon. Analysis of the mechanosensor channel functionality of TACAN. (2021) Elife10:e71188.

• Yiming Niu*, Xiao Tao*, Kouki K. Touhara, Roderick MacKinnon. Cryo-EM analysisof PIP2 regulation in mammalian GIRK channels. (2020) Elife 9:e60552. (*equal contribution)

• Xiao Tao, Roderick MacKinnon. Molecular structures of the human Slo1 K+channel in complex with 4. (2019) Elife 8:e51409.

• Xiao Tao, Richard K. Hite, Roderick MacKinnon. Cryo-EM structure of the open high conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel. (2017) Nature 541(7635), 46-51.

• Richard K. Hite, Xiao Tao, Roderick MacKinnon. Structural basis for gating the high conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel. (2017) Nature 541(7635), 52-57.

Postdoc Program

Elevate your research career to new heights with Genetech's Postdoctoral Program! Join a prestigious community of early career scientists and kick-start your journey toward becoming a scientific leader in biotechnology and bioengineering. With competitive salaries and fully funded research expenses, you can dedicate yourself to groundbreaking research that aligns with Genentech strategic ambitions.

The postdoc program is designed to empower recent Ph.D. graduates to conduct world-class research, publish in top-tier journals, and build a robust scientific network. By joining us, you will receive the mentorship and support necessary to develop into an independent scientist and leader.

The Genentech Postdoc Program provides access to world-class seminars, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities. Apply now to Genentech Postdoctoral Program and unlock your full potential!

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $98,000 to $104,500 .Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

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