Mentors: Dr. Michael Niederweis, Department of Microbiology and Dr. Gino Cingolani, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics
Postdoctoral Position in Biochemistry and Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins
Position Summary:
The Microbiology department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in biochemistry and structural biology, with a strong emphasis on cryo-electron microscopy. This position offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the structure and function of essential membrane proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using cryo-electron microscopy and tomography, and cutting-edge biochemical techniques.
The successful candidate will join a vibrant and multidisciplinary team consisting of the labs of Drs. Michael Niederweis and Gino Cingolani working at the interface of structural biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. This position is funded by a new NIH R01 grant. The position is available immediately for up to 5 years with the possibility of a promotion.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and perform biochemical and biophysical experiments for protein purification and characterization.
- Prepare samples for cryo-EM and vitrification.
- Analyze cryo-micrographs using state-of-the-art software pipelines (e.g. RELION, cryoSPARC).
Qualifications:
Essential:
- A PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, or a related field.
- Experience in protein expression and purification.
- Strong publication record (at least one first-author paper in an international peer-reviewed journal).
Desirable:
- Hands-on experience with cryo-EM screening and data collection using EPU.
- Proficiency in analyzing electron density maps, including building and refining atomic models, structural analysis, and modeling tools (e.g. Coot, Phenix, Chimera).
- Experience with cryo-electron tomography or in situ cryo-EM.
We Offer:
- UAB has an outstanding EM infrastructure, including several Vitrobots, a Glacios2 with Falcon 4i, a Talos F200C equipped with Ceta-F and Direct Electron Apollo camera, and access to a Titan Krios through national EM labs.
- Collaborative environment with access to proteomics, genomics, and computational biology support.
- Competitive salary of $62k for first year postdoc + benefits (salary increases with experience)
- UAB is one of the top research institutions in the nation and is located in an affordable city with many cultural and outdoor attractions.
How to Apply:
Please submit a single PDF to
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.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
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