Postdoctoral Researcher - Zhou lab

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off and parental leave

401(k) employer contribution

Student-debt repayment option

Job summary

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate ribosome biogenesis, remodeling, and function. Work includes biochemistry, quantitative imaging, cryo-EM, and cryo-ET, with mentorship and opportunities to shape an independent program.

Applicants with ribosome expertise are encouraged; cutting-edge core facilities support this multi-disciplinary effort at Buck in Novato, CA.

Qualifications

• PhD completed by start date in molecular cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, or related field.
• Evidence of rigorous and productive research, including first-author publications.
• Ability to design and execute experiments and analyze quantitative data.
• Strong English written and spoken communication; able to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Skills

First-author publications

Experimental design

Quantitative data analysis

Multidisciplinary collaboration

English communication

Education

PhD in molecular cell biology or related field

Tools

Cryo-EM

Cryo-ET

Protein purification

Ribosome profiling

Quantitative proteomics

Fluorescence microscopy

Single-particle cryo-EM

Job description

Ribosome Biogenesis and Function

Position Summary

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the mechanisms governing ribosome biogenesis, remodeling, and function. Projects may focus on cytosolic and/or mitochondrial ribosomes and address questions related to ribosome assembly, composition, structure, localization, and translational activity.

The successful candidate will develop a mechanistic research program using one or more complementary approaches, including biochemistry, quantitative imaging, cryo-electron microscopy, and cryo-electron tomography. Applicants are not expected to have expertise in all these areas. Candidates with deep experience in ribosomes are strongly encouraged to apply, and the project will be shaped around the candidate’s scientific strengths, interests, and career goals.

Potential research directions include:

• Defining ribosome assembly pathways, intermediates, and quality-control mechanisms.
• Visualizing the spatial and temporal organization of ribosome biogenesis and function in living cells.
• Linking genetic and biochemical perturbations to ribosome structure using cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography.
• Understanding how metabolism and stress remodel ribosomes.

About the Zhou Lab

The Zhou Lab studies how the cellular proteome changes its organization and function in response to environmental conditions, stress, and aging. We use model systems ranging from budding yeast to cultured human cells. The lab combines molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, quantitative proteomics, high-throughput screening, automated and super-resolution microscopy, cryo-EM/cryo-ET, computational analysis, and machine learning. Our multidisciplinary team includes researchers with backgrounds in biology, biophysics, and artificial intelligence.

The successful candidate will receive close scientific mentorship while being encouraged to develop intellectual independence. The Buck provides access to advanced core facilities, a highly collaborative aging-research community, and professional-development opportunities in scientific writing, fellowship applications, presentations, leadership, and career planning.

Required Qualifications

• PhD completed by the start date in molecular cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, or a related field.
• Strong research experience in relevant approach, such as biochemistry, quantitative imaging, cryo-EM/cryo-ET.
• Evidence of rigorous and productive research, including first-author publications.
• Ability to design and execute experiments, analyze quantitative data, and troubleshoot independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and communicate effectively in written and spoken English.

Preferred Experience

• Prior work on ribosomes, translation, proteostasis, or macromolecular-complex assembly.
• Experience with budding yeast or mammalian cell culture, protein purification, ribosome profiling, quantitative proteomics, fluorescence microscopy, or single-particle cryo-EM.
• Interest in learning complementary methods and in integrating mechanistic experiments across scales.

Selected Recent Publications

• Zheng F, et al. Metabolic environment-driven remodeling of mitochondrial ribosomes regulates translation and biogenesis. Molecular Cell. 2025.
• Liu Q, et al. Mitochondria-lysosome coupling contributes to lysosome acidification and aging. Molecular Cell. 2026.
• Yoo S, et al. The spatiotemporal proteome landscape of aging: Structural determinants of age-sensitive proteome remodeling. bioRxiv. 2026. doi:10.64898/2026.02.26.708310.
• Liu Q, et al. Nascent mitochondrial proteins initiate the localized condensation of cytosolic protein aggregates on the mitochondrial surface. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 2023;120:e2300475120.

Compensation and Benefits

• $73,760 - $81,440 annually, depending on qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off and parental leave; a 401(k) employer contribution; and a student-debt repayment option.

About the Buck Institute

The Buck Institute is the first independent biomedical research institute in the United States devoted solely to research on aging. Located in Novato, California, the Buck brings together scientists across disciplines to study the mechanisms of aging and age-related disease and to help people live better, longer.

The Buck Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose experiences and perspectives will contribute to the diversity and excellence of our community.

Learn more about the Zhou Lab: www.buckinstitute.org/lab/zhou-lab/