Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields


Graduate Student & Postdoctoral Positions – Structural Biology and Biophysics


University of Calgary, Canada
Application deadline: 30 Sep 2026


The Haji-Ghassemi Lab at the University of Calgary is recruiting MSc/PhD students and a Postdoctoral Fellow to join our interdisciplinary research program in structural biology, protein biochemistry, and biophysics.

 

We are recruiting for projects in two major research areas:

 

Ion Channel Regulation

Projects will investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling ion channel function and regulation, with an emphasis on protein–protein interactions, post-translational regulation, and the structural basis of channel modulation. Our work integrates structural biology with biochemical, biophysical, and functional approaches.

 

Actin Polymerization and Cytoskeletal Regulation

A second research direction focuses on the structural and biochemical mechanisms of an actin-regulatory protein, including how protein interactions and conformational changes control actin polymerization and cytoskeletal organization.

 

Who We Are Looking For

  • Applicants should have a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, structural biology, or a related discipline.
  • Previous hands-on experience in structural biology, particularly X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), is required.

 

Experience with one or more of the following would also be an asset:

  • Protein expression and purification
  • Protein crystallization and structure determination
  • Cryo-EM sample preparation and/or data analysis
  • Protein–protein interaction studies
  • Biophysical techniques such as ITC or MST
  • Ion channel biology or electrophysiology
  • Cytoskeletal or actin biology


Our laboratory combines X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, quantitative biophysics, protein biochemistry, and functional studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie protein regulation.

 

Positions Available

MSc or PhD Student
Applicants with strong research experience and an interest in structural and mechanistic biology are encouraged to apply.

 

Postdoctoral Fellow
Applicants should have a PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, molecular biology, or a related field and a strong record of research productivity. Significant experience in X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM is expected.

 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send:

  • A CV
  • A brief statement of research interests and relevant experience
  • Contact information for 2–3 references

to Dr. Omid Haji-Ghassemi at the University of Calgary.

For more information, you can see our lab website:

https://www.haji-ghassemilab.ca/

 

We are looking for motivated scientists who are excited about using structural and quantitative approaches to answer fundamental questions in protein and ion channel biology.