Postdoctoral Research Associate
Memphis, TN 
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Posted 4 days ago
Job Description
The Chen Lab studies: i) Chemical modulation of transcription; ii) Signal crosstalk among transcription factors; and iii) Selective inhibition of highly homologous enzymes. We take a hypothesis-driven and technology-enabled multidisciplinary approach to develop chemical probes and investigate biological mechanisms. Particularly we use the promiscuous xenobiotic nuclear receptors (PXR and CAR) as models to investigate the transcription networks that regulate therapeutic responses. PXR and CAR regulate the detoxification system (e.g., by transcriptionally controlling CYP3A4 and CYP3A5-drug-metabolizing enzymes that metabolize more than 50% of clinical drugs), the dysregulation of which contributes to drug toxicity and drug resistance. We have developed the first selective PXR antagonist (Nat Commun 8:741, 2017); established that PXR and CAR form an unexpected heterodimer (Nucleic Acids Res 50(6):3254-3275, 2022); revealed a mechanism that expands PXR's ligand binding pocket to reduce ligand's binding affinity (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 120: e2217804120, 2023); and discovered the first CYP3A5-selective inhibitor and its structural basis (J Am Chem Soc 143:18467, 2021). Our goal is design therapeutic approaches to overcome drug toxicity, drug resistance and tumorigenesis in cellular and animal models.

The Chen Lab provides a unique training environment: in addition to basic mechanistic biology research, the postdoctoral fellow will learn and gain experience in small molecule drug discovery from target validation, chemical probe discovery to preclinical mechanistic studies. The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate with structural biologists and medicinal chemists in the Chen Lab, and have opportunities to work with the High Throughput Bioscience (HTB) Center (directed by Dr. Chen) (https://www.stjude.org/research/departments/chemical-biology-therapeutics/high-throughput-biosciences.html) on target validation, assay development, and compound or siRNA screening. Former Chen Lab postdocs have landed jobs as Assistant Professors in Universities, Senior Scientists in Pharmaceutical Companies, or Staff Scientists at St. Jude.

Contact Information

Taosheng Chen, PhD
Member (Professor), Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics

Director, High Throughput Bioscience Center
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
262 Danny ThomasPlace
Memphis, TN 38105-2794

Phone: 1-901-595-5937
Email:
taosheng.chen@stjude.org
Website: https://www.stjude.org/chen

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world-regardless of race, religion or a family's ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital's roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Jude does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, disability, veteran's status or disabled veteran's status with respect to employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment. St. Jude engages in affirmative action to increase employment opportunities for minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities.

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
Doctorate
Required Experience
Open
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