Postdoc fellow in the field of neuropharmacology of monoamine transporter with substance abuse

The Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences at the College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, is seeking two accomplished and motivated Postdoctoral Fellows to conduct research in NIH-funded projects to explore the molecular mechanisms of the regulation of monoamine transporter and vesicular monoamine transporter2 (VMAT2) by cocaine and methamphetamine. We use computational modeling/simulations, mutagenesis, and mouse transgenic models to mapping the binding pockets for substance drugs and HIV-1 Tat protein. We will also use novel transporter allosteric modulator to reverse drug-induced dysfunction of monoamine transporter and VMAT2. Our multidisciplinary approaches include studies using cell culture (cells expressing human monoamine transporter, and their mutants), radioligand uptake/binding, Co-IP and GST pull-down assays, cell surface biotinylation, transporter-mediated uptake and release, transgenic mouse model, single residue on dopamine transporter knock in mouse model and behavioral testing. Additional information is available at: http://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/pharmacy/faculty-staff/zhu_jun.php. Successful candidates must have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, neuropharmacology, behavior pharmacology or a related field by the beginning date of employment. Candidates with expertise and interest in regulation of membrane transporter function and expression, as well as competency in cell culture, rodent behavior testing (cognitive and drug rewarding effects), or neuropharmacology is desirable. Start date for the positions is as soon as possible. Candidates must apply online via USCJobs and include a brief letter of interest describing research experience and career goals, current CV. Questions about these positions should be emailed to zhuj@cop.sc.edu .

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