Postdoctoral positions in single-particle cryo-EM

The laboratories of Drs. Jian Hu and Jon Kaguni in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Michigan State University have openings for postdoctoral research associates in structural biology. After considering the job descriptions and requirements, which are shown below, candidates should submit separate applications for the respective positions. Michigan State University is ranked in the top 8% of US universities.

The Kaguni lab is seeking a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to determine the cryo-EM structure of a protein-DNA complex formed in the process of replication initiation using Escherichia coli as a model system (https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/faculty/jon-m-kaguni/current-research/). The individual will also obtain training in nucleic acid enzymology and molecular genetics. The postdoc is expected to participate in seminars, journal clubs, weekly lab meetings, and manuscript preparation. The applicant must hold a Ph.D., and have research experience in biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, or a related field. Expertise in nucleic acids, protein biochemistry, and recombinant DNA techniques is highly desirable. The candidate should have excellent communication skills, and be comfortable working collaboratively with other lab members.

The Hu lab uses multidisciplinary approaches (structural biology, primarily x-ray crystallography, biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology) to study 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) (https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/faculty/jian-hu/). Single-particle cryo-EM will be applied to one or more of these projects to develop mechanistic models at atomic resolution. The successful candidate is expected to be highly self-motivated with a Ph.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field. Hands-on experience and publication(s) in the area of single-particle cryo-EM are required. Experience in large scale eukaryotic protein expression/purification, ideally using a mammalian cell expression system, and also in membrane protein biochemistry is desirable. This NIH funding supported position will be initially available for one year, with possible renewal for additional years based on mutual satisfaction.

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. More information can be found at https://cryo-em.natsci.msu.edu/equipment/cryo-em-facility/. Additional microscopes complementary with the facilities are available in The Center for Advanced Microscopy (https://cryo-em.natsci.msu.edu/equipment/center-for-advanced-microscopy/).

The individual will receive a competitive salary with benefits and work in an excellent and collegial environment. Qualified applicants should submit a CV, a cover letter summarizing research experience and research interests, and the names and contact information of three referees at MSU@Careers. To apply to the Hu lab, follow the link https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/506725/research-associatefixed-term. To apply to the Kaguni lab, please send the required materials via email to kaguni@msu.edu. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. The start dates for these positions are Summer/Fall 2021 (Kaguni lab) or Fall 2021/Spring 2022 (Hu lab).