Postdoctoral Associate - Cracan Lab

Postdoctoral Associate - Cracan Lab - Scintillon Institute

Genetically Encoded Xenotopic Tools for Studying the Role of Metabolic Imbalance in Aging, Cancer, and Neurodegeneration

Dr. Cracan's lab develops methods to manipulate cellular metabolism with spatiotemporal precision. Our strategy centers on xenotopic genetic tools based on native and engineered enzymes that are amenable to targeting to different cellular compartments. Our studies will lead to a better understanding of the role of metabolic and redox imbalance in aging, cancer, and neurodegeneration and hold therapeutic promise for reversing these metabolic imbalances and associated conditions. Our lab is highly collaborative with local groups at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Scripps Research, and UC San Diego as well as other laboratories in the US. For more information, please visit https://cracanlab.com/.

We are looking for a collaborative, self-motivated Postdoctoral Associate to work in the laboratory of Dr. Valentin Cracan at the Scintillon Institute situated in the academic cluster of La Jolla/San Diego, CA. The Postdoctoral Associate will have the opportunity to define compartmentalization of metabolism in normal physiology and disease, including aging-associated metabolic changes in different cellular and organismal backgrounds. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is interested in the development and applications of novel genetically encoded xenotopic tools for studying organelle metabolism with a special focus on redox coenzymes NAD and NADP. Techniques routinely used in the laboratory include protein production in different overexpression systems, protein biochemical and biophysical characterization, protein engineering, mammalian cell culture, various high-throughput biochemical assays, high-content imaging, LC-MS/GC-MS-based metabolomics, and the use of model organisms such as Drosophila and mice.

Pristine coastline, fabulous beaches, year-round sunshine and mild temperatures make San Diego, CA a fantastic place to work and live. In addition, San Diego is within easy reach of Los Angeles and many other outstanding destinations along the California coastline.

Qualifications:

• Competitive candidates should have obtained, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in biochemistry, chemical biology, cell biology, or related areas, with a track record of scientific accomplishments as exemplified by multiple first-author publications.
• Prior experience in any aspect of protein expression/purification, protein design, directed evolution, cellular bioenergetics, redox biology, structural biology, or microscopy is preferred.
• A background in fluorescent protein biosensors, chemogenetics, optogenetics, developmental biology, neuroscience, or related fields would be ideal but is not required.

The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to contribute to ongoing projects and develop novel independent research projects in a collaborative research environment. Responsibilities include experimental design and execution, data analysis, team and conference presentations, literature reviews, and manuscript preparation. A competitive stipend and a generous benefits package commensurate with experience will be provided.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should send a single PDF file containing both a cover letter and curriculum vitae, along with the names and contact information for three references, to Valentin Cracan at valentincracan@scintillon.org.

Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered. The cover letter should briefly describe the applicant's previous research achievements and explain their interest in joining the Cracan laboratory. Please do not list "manuscript in preparation" or "manuscript submitted" on your CV. We will, however, gladly consider preprints that have been publicly posted on bioRxiv, medRxiv, or other recognized preprint servers.