Job Description

We are seeking highly self-motivated candidates for a Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Scientist position in an NIH-funded lab at the Versiti Blood Research Institute, https://versiti.org/versiti-blood-research-institute/our-investigators/jieqing-zhu.

Examples of recent publications:
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2414583121
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2311913120
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867422009953?via%3Dihub
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2001037023003343?via%3Dihub
https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/132/9/962/39416/Structure-of-an-extended-3-integrin
https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1806205115

Our lab is primarily focused on unraveling the mechanisms of receptor transmembrane signaling. Specifically, our attention is directed towards cell surface receptors featuring single transmembrane domains, such as integrins, receptor tyrosine kinases, and receptor-like tyrosine phosphatases. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing structural biology, protein engineering, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques, we aim to elucidate how these receptors transmit signals across the cell membrane. Our investigations center on understanding the conformational regulation triggered by ligand binding at the extracellular domain or cytoplasmic domain stimulations. Our goal is to illustrate the intricate mechanisms governing receptor-ligand interactions and the conformational changes necessary for transmembrane signaling, spanning the extracellular, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains.

We are currently engaged in several projects, delving into the conformational requirements for bi-directional transmembrane signaling in integrins, elucidating the structural and functional basis of integrins as pathogen receptors, exploring integrin ligand interactions, and developing antibodies and small molecules that target or stabilize specific integrin conformations. Integrins, crucial cell surface receptors, play a pivotal role in regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions across various biological processes, including development, hemostasis, antigen recognition, homing, and inflammation. Dysregulation of integrin activation is observed in pathological conditions such as autoimmune diseases and thrombosis. Our overarching goal is to uncover the intricate correlation between receptor conformational regulation and signal transduction, aiming to contribute to the design of more efficient and safer therapeutic agents.

A new focus of our lab entails unraveling the mechanism behind coronavirus spike protein-mediated cell fusion and viral infection. We aim to apply the gained knowledge to develop inhibitors for antiviral treatment and diverse virus-based applications, including cell-specific gene delivery and oncolysis.

Qualified applicants must have strong knowledge and research experience in protein science (protein crystallography, EM, or NMR), biochemistry, or cell biology. Candidates who received their Ph.D. recently with an outstanding publication record in structural biology or protein science are welcome to apply. Applicants must be able to work independently and have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
The position offers a competitive salary and excellent training environment for career development. Versiti is Equal Opportunity Employer. This company will provide equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

The VBRI is located on the campus of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, a near-western suburb of Milwaukee – approximately seven miles from the Versiti Headquarters Building in downtown Milwaukee. The VBRI is connected by a series of heated bridges and tunnels to the Medical College of Wisconsin (www.mcw.edu) and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW). The proximity of the VBRI with the clinical and research operations of MCW and CHW promote productive interactions between VBRI investigative staff and the faculty in the basic and clinical science departments at MCW and CHW, and the nearby major adult teaching hospitals.

Applicants who are interested in this position should email 1) a cover letter stating research accomplishments, research interests, and career goals, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a list of three references with contact information including mailing and E-mail address, and phone number to:

Jieqing Zhu, Ph.D.
Senior Investigator, Versiti Blood Research Institute
Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin
8727 West Watertown Plank Road
Milwaukee, WI 53213
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]