F250601
Mentor: Dr. Hongjin Zheng, Department of Microbiology
Postdoctoral Position in Structural Biology
General Information
The Zheng Laboratory investigates the structural and functional properties of disease-related membrane proteins from prokaryotes and eukaryotes, primarily focusing on characterizing these proteins using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemistry, and cell biology. Our research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of these proteins to identify novel binding molecules that regulate their physiological functions, advancing therapeutic development. This position will support the lab’s mission by driving high-impact structural biology projects, contributing expertise in cryo-EM and protein analysis, and accelerating our efforts to translate molecular insights into therapeutic strategies.
Several positions are available.
General Responsibilities
This scientist will play a critical role in advancing the lab’s research on disease-related membrane proteins. This position involves leading independent research projects, collaborating with lab members, and training graduate/undergraduate students. The role requires expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and effective communication to produce high-quality results that align with the lab’s goals.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Overexpression and purification of target proteins for structural studies.
- Biochemically and biophysically characterize interactions between proteins and their binding partners.
- Design and conduct functional assays to validate molecular mechanisms of purified proteins.
- Execute structural studies of target proteins using single-particle cryo-EM.
- Cryo-EM data analysis
- Draft manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.
- Supervise and train junior lab members.
Salary
Salary and benefits are commensurate with the NIH and UAB guidelines for Postdoctoral researchers.
Requirements
- Ph.D. degree in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- Proven expertise in protein biochemistry/biophysics with a track record of first-author publications.
- Prior experience with prokaryotic and eukaryotic membrane protein systems
- Familiarity with cell biology techniques to complement structural studies
- Prior experience in cryo-EM workflow, from sample preparation to structure determination.
- Expertise in protein purification and analysis.
- Skilled in molecular cloning and gene library construction for protein engineering.
- Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, particularly with structural and functional datasets.
- Ability to lead projects, mentor trainees, and collaborate effectively within a team.
- Exceptional documentation and organizational skills for research and lab operations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, evidenced by publications and presentations.
Lab Information
Hongjin Zheng, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Microbiology
To Apply: Please email CVs and cover letters to Dr. Hongjin Zheng at
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
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