Summary

Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) is recognized as one of the nation's premier academic health science centers and is known for excellence in education, research, and healthcare and community service. Located in the heart of the world's largest medical center (Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX), Baylor is affiliated with multiple educational, healthcare and research affiliates (Baylor Affiliates).

 An Associate Professor position (non-tenure track) is available in the St-Pierre lab in the Department of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. The applicant will characterize and apply novel light-responsive proteins, including genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) and optogenetic silencers such as kalium channelrhodopsins (KCRs) and anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs), to advance tools for imaging and controlling neural activity. For examples of our recent work, see our publications in Cell and Nature Neuroscience (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.07.013; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-022-01094-6). Characterize light-gated ion channels (including KCRs and ACRs) using patch clamp electrophysiology in HEK293 cells and cultured neurons, assessing photocurrent amplitude, kinetics, ion selectivity, and spectral sensitivity.

• Evaluate GEVI performance in mammalian cell culture and brain slice preparations using fluorescence and two-photon microscopy
• Perform structure-function analysis through site-directed mutagenesis to optimize protein properties
• Discover and clone novel channelrhodopsins and fluorescent biosensors from genomic and metagenomic sources
• Maintain and troubleshoot electrophysiology rigs and optical imaging systems
• Analyze data using commercial software and custom pipelines
• Mentor and train junior lab members in techniques and experimental design
• Present research findings in lab meetings and at national or international conferences
• Take a leading role in writing grants and manuscripts related to their primary projects, and contribute, as appropriate, to other grants and manuscripts from the lab.