Scripps Staff Scientist - Yuan Laboratory

Dr. Jason Yuan's laboratory seeks a skilled and motivated Staff Scientist to join its dynamic basic and translational research team specializing in ion channel electrophysiology, intracellular calcium signaling, and membrane receptor function. This role involves conducting patch clamp and digital imaging fluorescence microscopy experiments to study the functional role of specific cation/anion channels and membrane receptors (GPCR) in the development and progression of cardiopulmonary and vascular disease.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate autonomy within the research team, utilizing extensive experience and sound judgment to strategize and achieve predefined objectives within research projects. A high level of creativity and latitude is expected, along with a comprehensive understanding of various laboratory concepts, practices, and procedures. The successful candidate will work in the laboratory on various projects on non-selective cation channels, receptor-operated cation channels, mechanosensitive cation channels in lung vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, intracellular calcium signaling cascades associated with cell proliferation and migration, and membrane receptors and intracellular signal transductions associated with phenotypic transitions of various lung vascular cells, and the pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

This individual should have extensive experience in basic and advanced electrophysiological techniques (e.g., whole-cell and single-channel recording of ionic currents in single cells using patch clamp techniques) and digital imaging fluorescence microscopy techniques (e.g., measuring cytosolic and nuclear calcium concentration and dynamics using calcium dye and biosensors).

Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Conduct advanced electrophysiological (patch clamp) and digital imaging fluorescence microscopy (Ca2+ imaging) experiments to study ion channel and membrane receptor function and expression in lung vascular cells, intracellular signaling cascades associated with cell proliferation and phenotypic transition. Utilize advanced patch clamp and fluorescence microscopy methodologies to execute experiments and deliver data for publications.
• Assist in overseeing the daily operations of the Yuan Laboratory, including equipment maintenance, experimental animal protocols, and ensuring efficient laboratory functionality. Manage procurement by placing orders and reconciling purchases through various marketplaces.
• Provide hands-on mentorship and training to visiting scholars, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, guiding them through the design and implementation of electrophysiological and cell biological experiments, nurturing their professional development. Offer expert guidance to lab research trainees, enabling them to enrich their research capabilities and contribute significantly to ongoing projects.
• Attend and contribute to lab meetings, presenting findings and insights gleaned from research endeavors.

EXPECTED SALARY:          

$70,000 - $80,000 annually deepening on experience. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:          

Ph.D. in an appropriate scientific discipline (e.g., Electrophysiology, Physiology, Cell Biology, Neurophysiology) required. A minimum of 2 years postdoctoral experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Excellent problem solving and organization skills.
• Proficient oral and written communication.
• Ability to efficiently perform a variety of electrophysiological and cell physiological assays including patch clamp experiments for whole-cell and single-channel recording of cation and anion currents in single cells, fluorescence microscopy measurement of intracellular calcium using fluorescent-conjugated dyes and biosensors in primary cultured cells, and gene expression and transfection of specific ion channels for electrophysiological studies.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:     

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Please provide names and email addresses of three to five references as part of the application process. When ready, the hiring department will contact the listed references via email requesting their reference letters to be uploaded directly to the application website.

Applications must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. of the posting end date. 

This is a time-limited position.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:       

Yes

To apply for this position, visit https://jobs.ufl.edu/ Job number for this vacancy is <531219> and the deadline date to apply is <04/24/2024>. If accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2HRS or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

The University of Florida is an equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The University of Florida invites all qualified applicants, including minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under the Florida Sunshine and Public Records laws.

REQ # 531217