Postdoctoral Researcher

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate structural mechanisms of bacterial immune systems, including CRISPR–Cas complexes and anti-phage defenses. The role leverages state-of-the-art cryo-EM to reveal architecture, mechanism, and evolution of defense systems.

The successful candidate will access a 200 keV Talos Arctica and collaborate across biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics for integrative insights.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with single-particle cryo-EM (data collection, processing, 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.

Responsibilities

• Determine high-resolution structures of bacterial immune complexes using single-particle cryo-EM.
• Prepare, purify, and characterize protein complexes, including large multi-subunit assemblies.
• Collect and process cryo-EM data using the Talos Arctica and downstream pipelines (crySPARC/RELION).
• Integrate structural findings with biochemical and genetic data to define mechanism of action.
• Develop and optimize workflows for sample prep, grid screening, and image acquisition.
• Collaborate with computational and molecular biology teams to link structure to function.
• Lead manuscript preparation and present findings at meetings and conferences.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers in a collaborative lab.

Skills

Cryo-EM

Protein expression

Biochemistry

Teamwork

Publications

Education

PhD in Structural Biology

Tools

Talos Arctica

cryoSPARC

RELION

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26438 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Kelley Kane

[e-mail]

406-994-5097

Classification Title Postdoctoral Researcher Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher Brief Position Overview

The Wiedenheft Lab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the structural mechanisms of immune systems that defend bacteria against viral (phage) infection. The successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary team studying CRISPR–Cas complexes, Defense-associated Reverse Transcriptases (DRTs), Retrons, and other recently discovered anti-phage defense systems. This position provides an exceptional opportunity to apply state-of-the-art structural biology approaches—particularly single-particle cryo-EM—to reveal the architecture, mechanism, and evolution of these defense systems.

The postdoc will have direct access to a 200 keV Thermo Fisher Talos Arctica equipped for high-resolution data collection, as well as complementary biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics resources.

Position Number 4C0483 Department Microbiology & Cell Biology Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Research Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary team studying CRISPR–Cas complexes, Defense-associated Reverse Transcriptases (DRTs), Retrons, and other recently discovered anti-phage defense systems. This position provides an exceptional opportunity to apply state-of-the-art structural biology approaches—particularly single-particle cryo-EM—to reveal the architecture, mechanism, and evolution of these defense systems.

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.
• Lead manuscript preparation and present findings at internal group meetings, national conferences, and collaborative workshops.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive lab environment.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• 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, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• 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.

The Successful Candidate Will Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be:

Special Instructions

This positions is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)