Job Description

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.

Preferences

- 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.

Key Skills

- 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 zhengh@uab.edu.

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