Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Ruth Huttenhain

The Huttenhain Lab at Stanford University is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow with expertise in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics to study the mechanisms of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. The Huttenhain lab integrates cutting-edge MS-based proteomics, functional genomics, imaging, and other molecular biology techniques to profile the spatiotemporal nature of GPCR signaling networks. 

Applicants with experience in proteomics and MS method development who are interested in applying their skills towards this challenge alongside learning more about (1) functional genomics, (2) molecular and cell biology including neuroscience, GPCRs or related techniques, and/or (3) computational biology are encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups.

Lab Background

The communication between cells and their environment depends on decoding 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 at Stanford University, 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 solid foundation for the design and testing of novel therapeutics targeting GPCRs with higher specificity and efficacy.

Potential Projects

• Develop robust  proteomic assays (e.g. proximity-labeling, phospho, or structural proteomics) towards mapping spatiotemporally resolved interaction and signaling networks of GPCRs.
• Apply new advances in LC-MS technologies to improve depth and reproducibility of proteomics data acquisition. 
• Map signaling network dynamics of GPCRs in neuronal systems to uncover novel regulators and mechanisms of neuromodulation.
• Discover mechanisms how diverse ligands targeting GPCRs or diverse receptors elicit distinct phenotypic responses.

Relevant publications

• Lobingier B and Hüttenhain R, et al. (2017) An approach to spatiotemporally resolve protein interaction networks in living cells. Cell 10.1016/j.cell.2017.03.022. PMID: 28388416
• Polacco BJ, et al. (2024) Profiling the proximal proteome of the activated μ-opioid receptor. Nature Chemical Biology 10.1038/s41589-024-01588-3. PMID: 38528119
• Zhong X , et al. (2024) A proximity proteomics pipeline with improved reproducibility and throughput. Molecular Systems Biology 10.1038/s44320-024-00049-2. PMID: 38951684

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 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 an inclusive, 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.