Research Fellow in Molecular mechanisms of signalling by G protein-coupled receptors

Successful candidates will hold, or be in the process of completing a PhD in molecular pharmacology or related area, possess a solid background in cell signalling and previous experience with live-cell methods such as FRET or BRET and ideally have done previous work on GPCR signalling. Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary experimental research and a drive to learn new skills are essential for this position.

A postdoc position is available in the Calebiro lab at the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR) and Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham (UK). Our group investigates the molecular mechanisms of signalling by G protein-coupled receptors, which mediate the effects of many hormones and neurotransmitters and are major drug targets. To this end, we use innovative optical methods based on FRET/BRET and single-molecule microscopy, which allow us to investigate GPCR signalling directly in living cells (see e.g. Calebiro et al. PNAS 2013; Godbole et al. Nat. Commun. 2017; Sungkaworn et al. Nature 2017). 

The successful applicant will combine advanced live-cell imaging methods, such as FRET/BRET, FCS and single-molecule microscopy with state-of-the-art metabolomics to investigate the role of GPCR signalling at intracellular sites in adipocyte metabolism. We expect these experiments to lead to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of adipocyte metabolism and to the identification of new molecular targets for the therapy of metabolic diseases. This position might provide a starting point to apply for postdoctoral fellowship schemes. Successful candidates will hold, or be in the process of completing a PhD in molecular pharmacology or related area, possess a solid background in cell signalling and previous experience with live-cell methods such as FRET or BRET and ideally have done previous work on GPCR signalling. Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary experimental research and a drive to learn new skills are essential for this position.