Postdoctoral Research Associate in Membrane Protein Structural Biology

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to a research program focused on the structural and functional characterization of membrane proteins using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemical, and biophysical approaches. The successful candidate will lead studies of multidrug transporters, including recombinant protein expression and purification, in vitro biochemical and biophysical analyses, and single-particle cryo-EM structure determination. Additional responsibilities include supporting research on other membrane protein targets, analyzing and interpreting experimental data, preparing manuscripts and presentations for publication and scientific conferences, and assisting with laboratory operations in a collaborative research environment. The position provides opportunities to work with state-of-the-art cryo-EM technologies and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries in membrane protein biology.

Responsibilities

• Lead studies of multidrug transporters, including recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Perform in vitro biochemical and biophysical analyses.
• Conduct single-particle cryo-EM structure determination.
• Support research on other membrane protein targets.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Prepare manuscripts and presentations for publication and scientific conferences.
• Assist with laboratory operations in a collaborative research environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or related field by the start date.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in recombinant protein expression in mammalian and insect cell culture, including transient transfection and baculovirus generation in Sf9 cells.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in the expression, detergent solubilization, and purification of eukaryotic membrane proteins.
• Experience in structural biology techniques (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography), including sample preparation, data collection, data processing, model building, and refinement.
• Experience with in vitro biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Record of scientific productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.

Department Overview

The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of life. The department features research programs in a broad range of disciplines, with strengths in structural biology and biophysics, plant biochemistry, molecular signaling, nucleic acid biochemistry, and microbial biochemistry.

Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental.
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa).
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.
• WorkFlex options for flexibility on when, where, and how work is performed.

Schedule

Full time, 12 months per year.

Pay

Pay grade for Postdoctoral Research Associates (commensurate with qualifications).

Proposed start date: January 1, 2027.