Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Ruth Huttenhain

Summary of the position:

The Huttenhain Lab in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology at Stanford is looking for postdoctoral fellows to study mechanisms of intracellular signal integration through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) using cutting edge mass spectrometry-based proteomics, functional genomics, and molecular biology techniques. Applicants with expertise and interest in (1) mass spectrometry-based proteomics, (2) molecular and cell biology including GPCRs, neuroscience, functional genomics or related techniques, and/or (3) computational biology are encouraged to apply.

Lab overview:

The communication between cells and their environment depends on decoding of extracellular cues into intracellular signaling cascades that are integrated through dynamic and context-specific networks driving the cellular responses. Given the complexity and dynamic state of signaling networks, the current understanding of their constituents and how they are spatiotemporally regulated in the cell as a result of a specific input is incomplete.

The Huttenhain lab in the Molecular & Cellular Physiology Department (https://www.huttenhainlab.com/) at Stanford Medicine, studies mechanisms of intracellular signal integration through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of membrane receptors mediating most of our physiological responses to hormones, neurotransmitters and environmental stimulants. We employ an interdisciplinary approach to probe, model, and predict how signaling network dynamics translate extracellular cues sensed by GPCRs into specific phenotypic outputs. Developing quantitative proteomics approaches to capture the spatiotemporal organization of signaling networks and combining these with functional genomics and molecular biology techniques to study their impact on physiology, we aim to better understand GPCR signaling and to provide a foundation for the design and testing of novel therapeutics targeting GPCRs with higher specificity and efficacy.

Relevant publications:

Zhong X, Li Q, Polacco BJ, Patil T, Marley A, Foussard H, Khare P, Vartak R, Xu J, DiBerto JF, Roth BL, Eckhardt M, von Zastrow M, Krogan NJ, Hüttenhain R. A proximity proteomics pipeline with improved reproducibility and throughput. Mol Syst Biol. 2024 Aug;20(8):952-971. doi: 10.1038/s44320-024-00049-2. Epub 2024 Jul 1. PMID: 38951684; PMCID: PMC11297269

Polacco BJ, Lobingier BT, Blythe EE, Abreu N, Khare P, Howard MK, Gonzalez-Hernandez AJ, Xu J, Li Q, Novy B, Naing ZZC, Shoichet BK, Coyote-Maestas W, Levitz J, Krogan NJ, Von Zastrow M, Hüttenhain R. Profiling the proximal proteome of the activated μ-opioid receptor. Nat Chem Biol. 2024 Sep;20(9):1133-1143. doi: 10.1038/s41589-024-01588-3. Epub 2024 Mar 25. PMID: 38528119; PMCID: PMC11365811.

 Specific postdoctoral projects may include:

• Develop quantitative proteomics approaches to map spatiotemporally resolved interaction and signaling networks of GPCRs.
• Applying high-throughput proteomics approaches to discover mechanisms how diverse ligands targeting GPCRs elicit diverse phenotypic responses.
• Mapping signaling network dynamics of GPCRs in neuronal systems to uncover novel regulators and mechanisms of neuromodulation.
• Develop computational approaches to model spatiotemporally resolved signaling networks.

Academic environment:

Stanford University provides a highly stimulating scientific environment that fosters collaborations and the exchange of ideas within and across disciplines. The Molecular & Cellular Physiology Department (https://med.stanford.edu/mcp.html) offers a world-class scientific environment and supports postdoctoral scholars throughout their postdoc with mentoring and training programs, seminar series, and annual retreats. The Huttenhain lab is committed to foster a respectful, and collaborative environment with passion for science and mentorship. Trainees will have access to an outstanding infrastructure and resources including dedicated state-of-the-art mass spectrometers.