Postgraduate Position in Sensory Neurobiology of Insects (Butterwick Lab/Yale University)

The Butterwick Lab is seeking a highly motivated recent college graduate to join us in the Department of Pharmacology at the Yale School of Medicine. We are a new lab that seeks to understand how insect olfactory (smell) and gustatory (taste) receptors detect and discriminate among the enormous diversity of chemicals in the environment. We are particularly interested in how insect vectors of disease, such as mosquitoes and ticks, locate their human targets. To achieve this, we are pursuing a novel structure-based approach that uses single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to visualize receptor-ligand interactions, coupled with a variety of biochemical, biophysical, electrophysiological, and cellular assays to investigate receptor function.

Specific responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: using tissue culture techniques to express receptors for purification or to perform activity assays, molecular biology, using biochemical methods to purify receptors, and structure determination using cryo-EM. Experience in any of these areas is beneficial but less critical than motivation, attention to details, and a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and inclusivity.

This is a full-time position for a period of 1–2 years, beginning the Fall of 2020 (start date is negotiable). If you are interested, please send a cover letter that outlines your career goals and previous research experience, your curriculum vitae or resume, and the names and contact information for two references to joel.butterwick@yale.edu.

The review of applications is on a rolling basis and will continue until the position is filled.