Postdoctoral Research Associate - Structural Biology - Sun lab

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tennessee , United States; Tennessee; On-site; USD 54,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Structural Biology. The Sun lab focuses on structure-based drug discovery and uses state-of-the-art cryo-EM to understand mechanisms of small molecules.

The successful candidate will design and execute experiments in biochemistry and cell biology, express/purify protein complexes, perform cryo-EM work, and contribute to publications and collaborations within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, pharmacology, or related field.
• Strong publication record with at least one first-author paper.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with cryo-EM is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments in structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
• Perform protein complex expression/purification (mammalian and insect systems), cryo-EM sample prep, data collection, and high-resolution structure determination.
• Conduct functional assays in mammalian cells and animal models to study pharmacology of novel small molecules.
• Rapidly learn and integrate new techniques as the project evolves.
• Maintain detailed records, analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and present results at lab meetings and scientific conferences.

Skills

Cryo-EM

Protein expression

Structure determination

Biochemistry

Cell biology

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in biochemistry or related field

Tools

Cryo-EM data processing software

Mammalian expression systems

Insect cell expression systems

Job description

Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Structural Biology - Sun lab

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tennessee , United States

The Sun lab are seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellow to join their group in the Department of Structural Biology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The project focuses on structure-based drug discovery projects in the lab. This is an exceptional opportunity to work at the forefront of structural biology and drug discovery in a highly collaborative, well-resourced environment with access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities.

The role:

• Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments in structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology
• Perform protein complex expression/purification (mammalian and insect systems), cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, and high-resolution structure determination to understand the working mechanism of small molecules
• Conduct functional assays in mammalian cells and animal models to study pharmacology of novel small molecules
• Rapidly learn and integrate new techniques as the project evolves
• Maintain detailed records, analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and present results at lab meetings and scientific conferences
• Work collaboratively with team members and external collaborators while taking ownership of sub-projects
• Ph.D. in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, pharmacology, chemical biology or a closely related field
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong publication record with at least one first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior hands-on experience with single-particle cryo-EM (sample prep, data processing, model building) is a plus
• Background in chemical biology will be a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Enthusiasm for mentoring junior lab members and contributing to a positive, supportive lab culture