JOB SUMMARY

The Buck Institute has an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to study protein folding problems during stress and cellular aging in the lab of Dr. Kai Zhou. The Zhou lab uses budding yeast as the main model organism to research the principles of protein folding and how this process is affected by environmental stress and the aging process, as well as how the protein folding problems feedback to cellular aging. Budding yeast is an ideal model to study how mother cells age and how daughter cells reset their aging clock; both fates happen at the same time along the axis of asymmetric cell division.

We use multiple cutting-edge imaging methods, high-throughput screening, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and machine learning to systematically address the response of cellular proteome towards stress and aging. We also design and engineer new tools to solve the problems we face. As protein folding problems are featured and conserved in aging and many age-related diseases, including neuro-degenerative diseases, our strategy is to take advantage of the high-throughput platforms in budding yeast and use the novel mechanisms revealed by yeast projects to guide further exploration in other animal models (e.g. fruit fly) for aging and age-related diseases. We follow basic questions and use unbiased screens to find answers and candidate proteins/genes, which are followed in detail to highlight the molecular mechanisms and gain insight into the principle of cell biology of proteostasis.

The Postdoctoral Fellow is encouraged to finish 1-2 projects and publish high profile papers within 5 years and take the projects to his/her own lab in the future.

ABOUT THE ZHOU LAB

We will apply genetics, cell biology, proteomics, biochemistry, imaging and bioinformatics to solve protein folding and aging–related questions. This is a new laboratory and we are a group of exciting young researchers trying to establish a new research program related to aging. Cool discoveries and enjoying science are what we value the most.

TO APPLY
Please submit a PDF document that includes: (1) a cover letter indicating your past research experience, future plans, and expectations from working in the lab, (2) three professional references and (3) a brief research proposal on specific questions related to protein folding and aging that you would like to pursue in the lab. This short proposal will help us focus our time on those candidates who likely match our lab interests. Please also upload a current CV. 

LIVING BETTER LONGER TOGETHER

Buck Institute for Research on Aging is an equal opportunity employer. Buck Institute seeks candidates whose experience and qualifications will enable them to contribute to our dedication to diversity and excellence. We are committed to building an organization that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.