This posting is to fill 1-2 open post-doctoral positions in the laboratory of Mark S. Shapiro, Ph.D. in the Department of Cell and Integrative Physiology. We study the physiology, regulation and functional role of a variety of ion channels in neurons and other excitable cells, the mechanisms of diseases such as epilepsy, pain syndromes, traumatic brain injury, lymphomas, Covid-19, learning & memory and Alzheimer’s disease. We use a range of cutting-edge molecular, cellular and integrative approaches.

We are supported by NIH R01 awards to study the roles of A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), lipid signaling molecules and calmodulin in regulation of a variety of ion channels in the nervous system, using patch-clamp of dissociated neurons and tissue culture cells heterologously expressing ion channels, receptors and signaling proteins and using brain-slice electrophysiology and imaging, biochemistry and structural biology, TIRF and confocal microscopy and STORM super-resolution nanoscopy. A variety of transgenic technologies are used. We are study the roles of KCNQ (Kv7) K+ ion channels in neurons of the brain as a neuroprotective mechanism against brain damage induced by stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and epileptic seizures. The project on TBI and epileptogenesis is also supported by the DoD, the AHA and foundation grants. We make use of whole-animal in vivo stroke and TBI models in a variety of wild-type or genetically-altered mice. Thus, the post-doc fellow may study the brain using brain-slice electrophysiology, immunochemistry, genetic techniques, cutting-edge imaging approaches, molecular biology and behavioral assays. We are very physiological and quantitative in approach, yet with strong translational relevance and potential. Some experience in preferred, but the candidate can learn patch-clamp methods and innovative imaging (deep brain to single-cell to single-molecule) techniques, in conjunction with molecular and live-animal behavioral approaches. Postdocs in my lab and at UT Health SA benefit from a number of grant-writing and career-building workshops given by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, which have proven extremely valuable as the post-doctoral fellows progress to independence. Post-docs in my lab who are American citizens or permanent residents are also eligible to apply for one of our T32 training-grant slots at this institution.

UT Health SA is a leading academic research university, and the Department of Cell and Integrative Physiology in the School of Medicine contains a vibrant mix of neuroscientists, cellular/molecular physiologists and integrative systems scientists who interact often and well. The Shapiro lab is in the new South Texas Research Facility complex at UT Health SA, which contains an interdepartmental and collaborative group of funded and productive neuroscientists. San Antonio is a vibrant and multi-cultural city with many attractions, and offers a very affordable cost of living for a postdoctoral fellow. Salary is commensurate with the NIH scale.
We seek highly-motivated and hard-working candidates with strong scholarly outlook, and a keen desire to perform cutting-edge biomedical research. A background in neurophysiology, mammalian models, molecular techniques and the physiology or pharmacology of ion channels or receptors is highly preferred, but all candidates will be considered.