Postdoctoral Research Associate - Biochemistry

Washington University; St. Louis, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ghanbarpour Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at WashU Medicine seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary program. The lab studies ATP-dependent proteolytic machines in bacterial and mitochondrial systems using cryo-EM, cryo-ET, biochemistry and mass spectrometry.

Postdocs gain hands-on training in cryo-EM sample prep, data analysis, heterogeneity analysis, membrane biology, and cellular assays while contributing to

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree required.
• Experience with cryo-EM/cryo-ET highly desirable.
• Biochemistry, genetic microbiology, or protein engineering background a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepare and submit papers on research.
• Design and execute research experiments.
• Analyze data and report results.
• Maintain good laboratory practice and research records.
• Collaborate with mentor and group members to meet project goals.

Skills

cryo-EM

cryo-ET

mass spectrometry

biochemistry

genetic microbiology

protein engineering

Education

Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree

Job description

Location ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

The Ghanbarpour Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at WashU Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary research program. Our lab investigates how bacteria and human mitochondria maintain homeostasis and respond to stress and environmental challenges. A central focus of our research is uncovering the molecular mechanisms of ATP-dependent AAA proteolytic machines, both soluble and membrane-spanning, and their accessory factors in bacterial and mitochondrial systems. We study how these complexes assemble, achieve substrate specificity, and promote bacterial recovery from antibiotic stress, environmental changes, and pathogen attack. These efforts combine cryo-EM and cryo-ET structural biology, biochemical and cellular assays, and mass spectrometry. The lab also explores bacterial defense mechanisms against bacteriophage infection, including rewiring of proteolytic systems and the deployment of innate immune strategies that enable survival during phage attack. In addition, another major focus of our research is protein engineering and the development of new molecular tools based on these proteolytic systems. Experience in cryo-EM/cryo-ET is highly desirable; additional expertise in biochemistry, genetic microbiology, or protein engineering is a plus. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will gain extensive hands-on training in cryo-EM sample preparation and data analysis, heterogeneity analysis tools, mass spectrometry, membrane biology, biochemistry, and cellular assays. The Ghanbarpour Laboratory and WashU Medicine provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for structural biology, biochemistry, and mass spectrometry, along with a highly collaborative research environment. Importantly, postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to dedicate up to 20% of their time to an independent research project, with the opportunity to develop a faculty-level research proposal. This position is well suited for individuals pursuing careers in academia and supported by NIH grant R35GM160328, the Longer Life Foundation, and WashU startup funds.

Related Papers

• 1. Zhang T.; Barbosa R.; Ghanbarpour, A.; Laub, T. M.; Activation of a bacterial immunity protein via supramolecular assembly with multiple phage triggers, Nature (2026).
• 2. Iqbal, N.; Keller, S.; Ghanbarpour, A. Structural plasticity of the membrane-bound protein degradation assembly supports bacterial adaptation to stress. Biorxiv, 2025.
• 3. Ghanbarpour, A.; Telusma, B.; Powell, B.; Zhang, J. J.; Bolstad, I.; Vargas, C.; Keller, S.; Baker, T. A; Sauer, R. T; Davis, J. H.; An asymmetric nautilus-like HflK/C assembly controls FtsH proteolysis of membrane proteins, The EMBO Journal, 44, 2501 (2025).
• 4. Ghanbarpour, A.; Sauer, R. T; Davis, J. H.; A proteolytic AAA+ machine poised to unfold a protein substrate, Nature Communications, 15, 9681 (2024).

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Assists in the design of research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results.
• Conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations.
• All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education: Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree. Certifications/Professional Licenses: No specific certification/professional license is required for this position. Work Experience: No specific work experience is required for this position. Skills: Not Applicable Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job At WashU, postdoctoral appointments: Have a 5-year term limit that includes previous experience. Preferred Qualifications Education: No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting. Certifications/Professional Licenses: No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting. Work Experience: No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting. Skills: Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

• All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position.
• The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks.
• All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Washington University in St. Louis' collective success is significantly attributed to the passion and outstanding efforts of our community. Our staff, faculty and trainees are committed to excellence and dedicated to carrying out our missions of research, teaching and patient care. WashU prides itself on being a place where people matter, and serious work is done. Our people work together in an inclusive community that celebrates diverse perspectives, collaboration and innovation. We are a community of individuals inspired to work together to develop big ideas and tackle challenging problems. We value the well-being of our people. WashU strives to create a positive employee experience where staff, faculty and trainees thrive, both personally and professionally. Our employees find meaning, connection and vitality in their work and life with a healthy work-life balance and support to learn, grow and make an impact at WashU, the community and the world.