Postdoctoral Researcher
Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement · Bozeman, MT · 1 mo ago
AnalystFull-time
Duties and Responsibilities
- Determine high-resolution structures of bacterial immune complexes using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy.
- Prepare, purify, and characterize protein complexes, including large multi-subunit assemblies and membrane-associated proteins.
- Collect and process cryo-EM data using the Talos Arctica and downstream pipelines (e.g., cryoSPARC and RELION).
- Integrate structural findings with biochemical and genetic data to define mechanism of action.
- Develop and optimize workflows for sample preparation, grid screening, and high-throughput image acquisition.
- Collaborate with computational and molecular biology teams to link structural insights to function and evolution.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive lab environment.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with single-particle cryo-EM (data collection, processing, and interpretation).
- Strong background in protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize experimental workflows.
- Evidence of productivity through publications or preprints.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with cryo-EM at 200 keV or familiarity with Talos Arctica operation.
- Experience working with proteins that involved in immunity.
- Expertise in membrane protein purification, lipid nanodiscs, or detergent-solubilized systems.
- Familiarity with computational phylogenetics or evolutionary genomics of bacterial immune systems.
- Experience mentoring or supervising trainees.