"Post Doctoral Fellow"

A postdoctoral research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Gucan Dai in the Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled scientist with a strong background in biophysics, with a focus on ion channel research. Prior experience with patch-clamp electrophysiology and advanced microscopy techniques is highly desirable.

The Dai lab investigates the fundamental mechanisms of ion channels in excitable membranes using a multidisciplinary approach. Our NIH-funded research integrates structural biology, chemical biology, genetics, fluorescence microscopy, and electrophysiology. The lab is equipped with two cutting-edge patch-clamp electrophysiology/fluorescence imaging systems, including a frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy system.

Research Focus Areas:

• Voltage-sensing mechanisms of voltage-gated ion channels – These channels are key players in conditions such as chronic pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and epileptic seizures. Trainees will gain hands-on experience with advanced techniques like patch-clamp fluorometry (PCF), Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), and the use of fluorescent noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs).
• Lipid-mediated regulation of ion channels and membrane dynamics – This research explores the role of lipids in the regulation of ion channels, with implications for inflammatory and neuropathic pain, Alzheimers disease, epilepsy, and viral infections. Relevant techniques include whole-cell fluorometry, calcium imaging, TIRF microscopy, and fluorescence lifetime imaging.