Postdoctoral Associate: RNA Structural Biology & Cryo-EM

The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology; Florida; On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ling Xu laboratory at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position focused on pathogenetic RNA structural biology using state-of-the-art cryo-EM and related technologies. The lab studies RNA and RNA-protein complexes that maintain genome integrity and mediate innate immunity, employing cryo-EM, biochemistry, and computational biology to map interactions at high resolution.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. and/or M.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and/or MD in an appropriate scientific discipline required.
• Experience with RNA structural biology and cryo-EM is preferred.
• Strong publication record is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designing and conducting independent research projects aligned with the lab’s scientific goals.
• Planning, performing, and troubleshooting experiments, depending on project needs.
• Analyzing experimental data, maintaining accurate research records, and presenting results in lab meetings.
• Contributing to manuscript preparation, figure generation, and publication of research findings.
• Assisting with grant-related preliminary studies and other research development activities.
• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students and other trainees in experimental design and laboratory techniques.
• Keeping up to date with relevant literature and contributing to new research directions.
• Collaborating with lab members and external collaborators.

Education

Ph.D. and/or MD in an appropriate scientific discipline

Tools

Cryo-EM

Job description

Classification Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. and/or MD in an appropriate scientific discipline required.

Classification Title

Postdoctoral Associate

Classification Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. and/or MD in an appropriate scientific discipline required.

Job Description

The Ling Xu laboratory at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position focused on pathogenetic RNA structural biology using state‑of‑the‑art cryo‑EM and related technologies.

The Ling Xu Lab investigates the structure, dynamics, and regulatory mechanisms of RNA and RNA-protein complexes that maintain genome integrity, mediate innate immunity, and impact human health. Using a combination of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemistry, and computational biology, the lab visualizes how RNA molecules fold, assemble with proteins, and perform complex cellular functions. By mapping these interactions at high resolution, the research aims to uncover fundamental principles linking RNA structure to biological activity.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Designing and conducting independent research projects aligned with the lab’s scientific goals.
• Planning, performing, and troubleshooting experiments, depending on project needs.
• Analyzing experimental data, maintaining accurate research records, and presenting results clearly in lab meetings and other scientific settings.
• Contributing to manuscript preparation, figure generation, and publication of research findings.
• Assisting with grant-related preliminary studies and other research development activities.
• Mentoring graduate students, undergraduate students, and other trainees in experimental design and laboratory techniques.
• Keeping up to date with relevant literature and contributing intellectually to the development of new research directions.
• Collaborating effectively with lab members and external collaborators.
  
  

Expected Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. and/or MD in an appropriate scientific discipline required.

Preferred

• Candidates with a strong published track record are preferred.
• This position is in a laboratory environment.
• Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
  
  

Special Instructions To Applicants

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Please provide names and email addresses of three to five references as part of the application process. When ready, the hiring department will contact the listed references via email, requesting their reference letters to be uploaded directly to the application website.

The final candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/

This is a time-limited position.

This position is open until filled. Application review will begin April 16, 2026.

The University of Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

Health Assessment Required: No.