About our lab

The Gouaux lab seeks to understand the molecular basis for signal transduction at chemical synapses in the central nervous system and at sites of mechanical-electrical transduction (MET) in hair cells of the inner ear. We strive to not only elucidate molecular structures of the neurotransmitter receptors and transporters at synapses, but we also aim to elucidate the composition and molecular organization of the MET complex. We apply a host of structural and biophysical approaches, including single particle and tomographic cryo-EM, together with fluorescence microscopy methods, biochemical methods, patch clamp electrophysiology and molecular biological manipulations.

We are also keenly interested in leveraging our expertise in synaptic structure and physiology to unravel the molecular basis of NMDA receptor encephalitis, and related glutamate receptor neuroinflammatory diseases, and to decipher the subunit composition of AMPA receptors over-expressed in human glioblastoma, aiming to work with collaborators to ultimately develop new therapeutic strategies. To bolster our research, we create tools to facilitate cryo-EM studies, at both the single particle and tomographic levels, by developing cryo-EM grids and electron dense fiducial markers.

Employment Opportunities

Postdoctoral Fellow
If you are interested in working on our projects as a postdoctoral fellow, please send your CV and names of three references to Eric Gouaux and assistant Rachel Courtney via email.

Graduate Student Program
Graduate students can enter the Gouaux lab via the Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP), Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (PBMS), Cancer Biology Graduate Program, or Biomedical Engineering (BME).

Equity and inclusion are core values central to the Vollum Institute.
Read our Racial Equity Statement here.