Postdoc Position Available Employer – Tampa, Florida

Dr. Libin Ye’s lab in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at University of South Florida–Tampa and NCI-designated Moffitt Cancer Center invites candidates to apply for several postdoctoral positions, funded by NIH and Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. The lab focuses on conformational transition, dynamics, and signal transduction study of membrane proteins—especially G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). In our previous studies, we were able to delineate and quantify a classic GPCR–A_2A adenosine receptor (A_2AR) into four conformation states (Ye, et al., Nature, 2016), using ¹⁹F quantitative NMR (¹⁹F-qNMR) (Ye, et al., J. Biol. NMR, 2015). Conformational transitions and allosteric modulations were also investigated at the quantitative conformational state level (Ye, et al., Nat. Commun, 2018). Dr. Ye’s lab is one of very few laboratories focusing on ¹⁹F-qNMR methodological innovation and its application in studying the conformation, dynamics, and signaling of membrane proteins. Most recently, in collaboration with Caltech–William Goddard’s group, we were able to exclusively populate an intermediate conformational state through the creation of conformation-biased mutants with the guide of ¹⁹F-qNMR (Wang et al., Nat. Commun, 2023). This advancement opens an avenue to study the functions of individual conformational states without cross-functional interferences from others. The characterization of individual states will guide us to develop drugs targeting a specific disease-related conformation instead of the global protein (Wang et al., Trends Pharmacol Sci, 2021) through modulation of signaling efficacy or bias.

Applicants with expertise in yeast, insect cell, or mammalian cell culture; BRET and radioligand binding measurements; large-scale membrane protein preparation, and bio-NMR in addition to basic molecular biological skills are particularly welcome. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications to Dr. Libin Ye, libinye@usf.edu. For more information, please visit the lab website: www.libinye.com

The University of South Florida is a preeminent research university dedicated to student success. It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in the top tier of research universities (R1). In 2023, USF was invited to join Association of American Universities (AAU) and continues to prove its merit.