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Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Tino Pleiner

Important Info

Faculty Sponsor (Last, First Name): 
Pleiner, Tino
Stanford Departments and Centers: 
Molecular & Cellular Phys
Postdoc Appointment Term: 
One year, with option for multi-year extension
Appointment Start Date: 
As soon as possible
Group or Departmental Website: 
https://www.pleinerlab.org/
How to Submit Application Materials: 

email pleiner@stanford.edu

Does this position pay above the required minimum?: 
No. The expected base pay for this position is the Stanford University required minimum for all postdoctoral scholars appointed through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The FY25 minimum is $73,800.

The Pleiner lab at Stanford University is looking for postdoctoral fellows to study the mechanism of membrane protein biogenesis and quality control at the human ER using a combination of cutting edge cell biology, genetics and protein biochemistry techniques. In parallel, we are also looking for postdocs interested in developing high-throughput screens for single-domain antibodies, called nanobodies, that can perturb intracellular biology directly at the protein level and to use these tools to study and reverse failure of protein homeostasis under disease conditions.
We are seeking creative, passionate and independent thinkers to join us as postdoc. Applications are encouraged from talented and motivated individuals who have a Ph.D. or are nearing completion of their Ph.D. with experience in cell biology, structural biochemistry and/or protein engineering. Top candidates will have a strong track record of research productivity, excellent communication skills, enthusiasm for basic research and a willingness to work as a leading part of a team with other lab members.
 
Overview:
The Pleiner lab studies the pathways and molecular machines that regulate cellular protein homeostasis. A particular focus of the lab is to understand how human cells make and quality control multi-pass membrane proteins like transporters, receptors and ion channels that are essential for cellular physiology. Membrane proteins are the predominant targets of most modern drugs and understanding how membrane proteins biosynthesis is regulated to prevent misfolding and degradation is therefore of immediate biomedical relevance. We use an interdisciplinary approach to study membrane protein homeostasis by combining molecular & cell biology, structural protein biochemistry and protein engineering. In parallel the lab will develop novel methods and reagents (e.g. nanobodies) to both study and modulate protein quality control pathways that regulate cellular protein folding and degradation in health and disease conditions (e.g. cancer, neurodegeneration and aging).
 
Environment:
Our lab is an inclusive space that fosters learning & curiosity, promotes team work and values mentorship to drive an innovative research program that pushes the boundaries of molecular biology. The successful candidate will have access to close mentorship and will shape the make-up of a new lab. The lab has fantastic resources and is surrounded by a world-class collaborative scientific environment. Outside of the lab, life in the sunny Bay area offers spectacular culinary, cultural, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
 
Projects:
1) Mechanism of membrane protein biogenesis and quality control at the endoplasmic reticulum.
Preferred (but not required) expertise:
structural biology (cryo-EM data collection and data analysis),
biochemistry (protein expression and purification in bacteria / mammalian cells)
general molecular biology and cell biology techniques
2) Engineering nanobodies that rewire protein folding or degradation capacity and their characterization in model systems of neurodegenerative diseases.
Preferred (but not required) expertise:
biochemistry (protein purification expression and purification in bacteria / mammalian cells),
cell biology (mammalian cell culture, CRISPR screens etc.)
protein engineering (phage / ribosome / yeast display, antibody engineering, etc.)

Required Qualifications: 
  • A doctoral degree
  • Expertise in molecular /cellular / structural biology and protein biochemistry
  • strong track record of research productivity
  • excellent communication skills (fluency in english)
  • enthusiasm for basic research / technology development
Required Application Materials: 

Please include the following items in one PDF as part of your application via email to Tino:

  • A cover letter including a summary of your research experience, your career goals, and how you think you could contribute to the ongoing research in our lab.
  • Your curriculum vitae including a list of publications with brief (2-3 sentence) descriptions of your contributions to your published work.
  • Names and contact information for 3 references.

 

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.