Postdoctoral Researcher in Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM)


Location: Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, O'Donnell Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas

Position Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (2 years with the possibility of extension)

Salary: Very Competitive

Application Deadline: Ongoing


Job Description:

The Shahmoradian lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in the field of Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) at UTSW. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team focused on elucidating the structural biology of complex macromolecular assemblies. Exceptional performance in this role may offer the opportunity to transition into a permanent staff scientist position upon completion of the Postdoc term.


Responsibilities:

  • Sample Preparation: Prepare biological samples for Cryo-EM, including plunge-freezing techniques.
  • Image Processing: Perform image alignment, classification, and high-resolution reconstruction using software such as RELION, cryoSPARC, or similar.
  • Model Building and Refinement: Generate atomic models based on Cryo-EM maps, and refine these models for best fit and validation.
  • Computational Analysis: Conduct computational simulations to interpret and validate structural data (preferred but not required)
  • Data Acquisition: Operate high-end electron microscopes for data collection, including single-particle and tomographic imaging (preferred but not required)
  • Collaboration: Work closely with biochemists, biophysicists, and computational scientists to integrate structural data with other experimental results.
  • Data Management: Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and data, ensuring compliance with institutional policies on data integrity and security.
  • Publication and Dissemination: Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
  • Mentorship: Train and mentor junior lab members in Cryo-EM techniques and data analysis.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field.
  • Extensive experience in Cryo-EM sample preparation and image processing.
  • Proficiency in computational tools for image processing and structural modeling, such as RELION, cryoSPARC, or equivalent.
  • Experience with helical image processing is highly preferred.
  • Additional programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or other relevant languages is preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • A track record of peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals.

UTSW is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.


Working environment: 

Successful candidates will benefit from excellent infrastructure and growing resources available here at UTSW:

  • Newly purchased Thermo Fisher Aquilos II cryoFIB/SEM equipped with both internal cryo-widefield and external Leica cryo-confocal fluorescence microscopes
  • 2 Titan Krios cryo-electron microscopes with direct electron detectors, including one with the latest generation cold field emission gun and Selectris-X energy filter (other has Volta phase plate and BioQuantum energy filter)
  • Talos Arctica cryo-electron microscope with K3 direct electron detector and Volta phase plate
  • Talos Glacios cryo-electron microscope with Falcon direct electron detector and Ceta-D camera
  • Custom-engineered, super-resolution, light-sheet and cleared tissue microscopes
  • UTSW Whole Brain Microscopy Facility with several high-throughput microscopes including two state-of-the-art multi-photon microscopes with integrated precision vibratomes
  • UTSW Green Center for Systems Biology with ~25 isolated microscope development bays equipped with optical tables

UTSW Department of Bioinformatics with BioHPC, a high-performance computing and storage facility equipped with ~1000 CPU and~120 GPU nodes connected to 50 PB of storage for in-house data analysis (Allinstruments have direct mounts to this computing infrastructure) 

University highlights: 

  • Highly collaborative and inclusive environment encompassing the entire spectrum of basic, translational, and clinical research
  • Six Nobel Prize Winners and 25 members of the National Academy of Sciences
  • Ranked No. 1 in the world among healthcare institutions in biomedical sciences (Nature Index 2019)
  • Several employee benefits including free health insurance for full-time staff, and excellent coverage for dependents.

Living environment: 

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is home to:

  • Top educational school systems in Texas and the nation
  • Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States, covering contiguous ~120 acres (0.5 square kilometer)
  • “Deep Ellum”, the live music capital of North Texas and a hub for the performing arts from theater to comedy
  • Several parks and lakes great for boating and camping
  • Multitude of great dining and shopping options
  • Central location in the US, with easy access to major international airport and a smaller national airport

To apply, please complete the form below. Please include the names and contact details of 3 professional references.

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