Post-Graduate Research Associate

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 animal 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 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. Experience in any of these areas is beneficial but less critical than motivation, attention to detail, and a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and inclusivity.

 

Training: The successful candidate will receive training in performing biochemical analysis of chemosensory receptors. This may include, but is not limited to: 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. The successful candidate is also expected to attend weekly group meetings to present their own work and to learn about other projects in the Butterwick Lab. In addition, all members of the lab are encouraged to regularly attend seminars offered at the Yale School of Medicine.

 

Mentoring: The successful candidate will be mentored directly by Dr. Butterwick to learn experimental techniques and data analysis methods, and will receive guidance in identifying an independent research project.

 

Education: A bachelor’s degree in the sciences is required (e.g. premed or life sciences/biology). Prior experience working in a research lab is preferred.