Postdoctoral Scholar Research

Postdoctoral Scholar Research

Join the Reddy Lab at the University of South Florida (USF) to study membrane transport proteins relevant to brain health. The lab focuses on the structure, mechanism, evolution, and engineering of membrane transport proteins.

The Reddy Lab integrates protein biochemistry, biophysical assays, deep‑scanning mutagenesis, structural biology, and bioinformatics to uncover fundamental principles governing neurotransmitter transporter function and to enable novel therapeutic or engineering applications.

The Reddy Lab provides a collegial, inclusive, and supportive environment that values curiosity, rigor, and teamwork. We emphasize mentorship, training, and career development tailored to individual goals. The chosen candidate will be trained in cutting‑edge biochemical, biophysical, and mutational‑mapping methods and will have access to premier USF and Moffitt Cancer Center facilities (cryo‑EM, genomics, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, NGS, structural biology, and drug discovery).

Successful postdocs will be encouraged to lead research projects, develop new research directions, apply for fellowships, present at national meetings, and explore diverse careers.

The ideal candidate has strong experimental training and a track record of generating and analyzing high‑quality data, demonstrated through publications or preprints.

• Scientific independence paired with strong communication and collaboration skills
• Initiative in exploring new ideas or technologies
• Willingness to learn outside of one’s primary area of expertise
• A methodical, detail‑oriented approach to planning, documenting, and troubleshooting experiments
• Collegiality, respect, and enthusiasm for working in a diverse, team‑oriented environment

• Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, lead experimental projects focused on dissecting the molecular determinants of transporter function, substrate specificity, ion coupling, and conformational dynamics. Some training will be provided. Depending on interest and expertise, projects may involve:
  • Protein structure‑function studies: membrane‑protein expression/purification, biochemical and biophysical assays of transporter function, structural determination with cryo‑EM.
  • Deep‑scanning mutagenesis and high‑throughput screening: library design, cloning, PCR‑based workflows, yeast/mammalian display, FACS sorting, and NGS‑based quantification.
  • Optional bioinformatics integration: interface with ongoing molecular evolution and machine learning pipelines.
• Keep meticulous laboratory records and communicate effectively and transparently about experiments.
• Train and supervise students in laboratory procedures.
• Stay up‑to‑date on literature relevant to research areas as required.
• Assemble and analyze research data, assist in manuscript preparation, and contribute to publications.
• Closely collaborate with both experimental and computational scientists.
• Participate in weekly meetings, help plan future projects, and foster an inclusive, supportive environment.

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution and appropriate experience and training within a selected area of specialization.
• Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Postdoctoral Fellow.

• Experience with experimental protein biochemistry/biophysics, structural biology, deep mutational scanning, directed evolution, library construction, or ‑omics methods.
• The ability to design rigorous, well‑controlled experiments.
• The ability to troubleshoot, problem‑solve, and perform a variety of new techniques.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, record‑keeping, and time management skills, with strong attention to detail.
• The ability to work collaboratively with a diverse variety of people at all levels and from all backgrounds.
• A PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, molecular biology, or a related field (ABD considered with expected defense date).

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