A postdoctoral research associate position in structural biology is immediately available in the Jian Hu group at Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University.
By deploying approaches of structural biology (primarily x-ray crystallography), biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology, Hu group has been working on multiple macromolecules important in biomedicine and biotechnology, including the ZIP metal transporters (Nat Commun. 2016, 7:11979; Sci Adv. 2017, 3:e1700344; Cell Rep. 2020, 31:107582), the PIPK lipid kinases (Sci Adv. 2016, 2:e1600925; Biochem J. 2018, 475:2257), and the LarA racemases/epimerases (Science. 2015, 349:66; PNAS. 2017, 114:9074). Single-particle cryo-EM will be applied to the suitable systems which have been identified in these projects. The overarching goal is to clarify the working mechanisms at atomic resolution. For more information here.
The recently opened and fully functional MSU cryo-EM facilities have a 200 kV Talos Arctica microscope equipped with a Falcon 3 direct detection detector, phase plate, and autoloader. The facilities provide state-of-the-art computational resources, training for students and postdocs, and opportunities for collaboration with the core faculty members. Additional microscopes complementary to the facilities are available in The Center for Advanced Microscopy.
Successful candidate is expected to be highly self-motivated with Ph.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related fields. Hands-on experience and a proven track record in single-particle cryo-EM is required. Experience in large scale eukaryotic protein expression/purification, ideally using mammalian cell expression system, is desirable. Experience in membrane protein study is a plus but not a must. This NIH funding supported position will be initially available for one year, with possible renewal up to additional four years based on mutual satisfaction.
Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, CV, and the names and the contact information of three referees to Dr. Jian Hu by email: hujian1@msu.edu. Review of application will start immediately, and the position will be open until filled.
