Multiple Postdoctoral Fellow Positions - Cryo-EM & Cryo-ET | Emory University

Emory University School of Medicine - Liang Laboratory; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Emory University School of Medicine's Liang Laboratory in Biochemistry invites applications for three postdoctoral fellow positions in Cryo-EM, Cryo-ET, and structural biology. Two Cryo-EM/biology roles and one Cryo-ET/in situ role will advance research on viral RNA synthesis, amyloid filaments, and disease-related structures.

Qualified candidates hold a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or related fields, with hands-on Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET experience and a demonstrated ability to work

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed or expected before appointment in relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET expertise; ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to high-resolution Cryo-EM/ET structural studies.
• Perform sample preparation, data collection, processing, and model building.
• Collaborate across biochemistry, biophysics, virology, and neuroscience groups.

Skills

Cryo-EM

Cryo-ET

Structural biology

Protein purification

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Structural Biology/related field

Tools

RELION

CryoSPARC

Tomographic reconstruction

Job description

The Liang Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry at Emory University School of Medicine invites applications for three (3) Postdoctoral Fellow positions in Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM), Cryo-Electron Tomography (Cryo-ET), and Structural Biology, including two (2) positions in Cryo-EM and Structural Biology and one (1) position in Cryo-ET and In Situ Structural Biology.

Our laboratory integrates cutting-edge structural biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics, and computational approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms of biological macromolecules and their roles in human health and disease. Building on our established research program in viral RNA synthesis machinery and viral replication mechanisms, we are expanding into neurodegenerative diseases, particularly the structural and mechanistic investigation of disease-associated amyloid filaments and protein aggregates.

We seek highly motivated and experienced scientists with strong backgrounds in protein biochemistry, structural biology, and Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET data analysis to advance these exciting research directions.

Research Opportunities

Successful candidates will contribute to innovative structural and mechanistic studies across the laboratory's research programs. Research opportunities include:

• High-resolution structural studies of viral RNA synthesis machinery, polymerase complexes, and other biological macromolecular assemblies
• Structural and mechanistic investigations of amyloid filaments, protein aggregates, and disease-associated molecular complexes
• Cryo-EM single-particle analysis, helical reconstruction, and atomic model building
• Cryo-ET, tomographic reconstruction, subtomogram averaging, and in situ structural analysis
• Protein expression, purification, biochemical characterization, and sample optimization
• Computational image processing, three-dimensional reconstruction, and structural interpretation
• Integration of structural, biochemical, biophysical, and functional approaches to uncover molecular mechanisms

Specific research projects will be aligned with laboratory priorities and the successful candidates' expertise and interests.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold, or expect to receive before appointment, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Virology, or a related discipline.

Demonstrated hands-on expertise in Cryo-EM and/or Cryo-ET, with the ability to work independently, is required. Candidates should possess strong technical skills in experimental and/or computational workflows, including sample preparation, structural data processing, and analysis. They must be able to execute experiments independently, troubleshoot challenges, and advance research projects with minimal supervision.

We particularly welcome candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Protein Biochemistry: Protein expression, purification, biochemical and biophysical characterization, and sample optimization
• Structural Biology: Cryo-EM sample preparation, single-particle analysis, helical reconstruction, Cryo-ET, subtomogram averaging, and atomic model building
• Structural Data Analysis: CryoSPARC, RELION, tomographic image processing, three-dimensional reconstruction, and computational structural analysis

Strong candidates will also demonstrate:

• Scientific independence, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills
• A productive research record, including publications or substantial scientific contributions
• Ability to integrate structural and functional approaches to address important biological questions
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
• Motivation, resilience, and commitment to scientific excellence

Research Environment and Career Development

The Liang Laboratory offers a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET facilities, advanced computational resources, and complementary biochemical and biophysical technologies.

Postdoctoral fellows will have opportunities to lead innovative research projects, contribute to high-impact scientific publications, develop independent research directions, and participate in interdisciplinary collaborations spanning structural biology, biochemistry, virology, neuroscience, and biomedical sciences.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, consistent with Emory University policies and applicable postdoctoral compensation guidelines. Comprehensive benefits are available.

Bo Liang, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Biochemistry

Emory University School of Medicine

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.biochem.emory.edu/liang

We will review applications on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

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