Postdoctoral Researcher, IDR Biochemistry & Structural Biology

buckinstitute; Novato (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Parental leave

401(k) match

Student debt repayment

Job summary

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, California, invites applications for postdoctoral researchers to study the structural biology of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs). The Zhou Lab fosters a multidisciplinary environment applying protein biochemistry, biophysics, and computational modeling to understand IDR ensembles.

Successful candidates will work with a collaborative team, contribute to purification, in vitro assays, and integrations with computational

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, chemical biology, biophysics, protein science, or a related discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot experimental workflows.
• Strong quantitative and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize purification and sample-preparation workflows suitable for IDR-containing proteins for measurements including single-molecule profiling, HDX-MS, mass spectrometry, and other structural/biophysical assays.
• Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization of purified proteins and assess sample quality, stability, oligomeric state, and conformational behavior.
• Develop and perform in vitro assays examining IDR interactions, condensation, aggregation, and responses to candidate binders or small molecules.
• Work with computational team members to interpret experimental results in the context of predicted conformational ensembles.
• Maintain rigorous experimental records and contribute to milestone reports, manuscripts, presentations, and publications.
• Help mentor research associates and junior laboratory members involved in the project.

Skills

Recombinant protein expression

Purification & characterization

Troubleshooting

Quantitative skills

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in biochemistry or related

Tools

HDX-MS

Cryo-EM

NMR

Single-molecule measurements

Molecular dynamics

Job description

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, California, invites applications for postdoctoral researchers to study the structural biology of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs). The Zhou Lab fosters a multidisciplinary environment applying protein biochemistry, biophysics, and computational modeling to understand IDR ensembles.

Successful candidates will work with a collaborative team, contribute to purification, in vitro assays, and integrations with computational