Postdoctoral Position in Structural Biology of Protein Trafficking
Rockville, United States
Application deadline: 27 Feb 2026
University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR)/Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics (CBT) – Rockville, MD
Their research group invites applications for a fully funded NIH postdoctoral position focused on the structural biology of protein trafficking. The project aims to elucidate unconventional trafficking pathways and long-range allosteric communication in the secretory system, with implications for chronic diseases and viral pathogen hijacking.
They use an integrated structural and mechanistic framework centered on single-particle cryo-EM, cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and X-ray crystallography, complemented by molecular dynamics simulations, mass spectrometry, super-resolution microscopy, and functional assays through established collaborations. Their group maintains a strong collaborative publication record (e.g., PMC8825798, PMC10724246, PMC10529451, PMC11880631, PMC12633080).
Qualifications-
Highly desirable: (1) Expertise in recombinant protein expression and purification, preferably using insect cell expression systems. (2) Experience in single-particle cryo-EM or cryo-ET structure determination.
Required: (1) Ph.D. in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, molecular biology, or a related discipline. (2) Demonstrated scientific rigor and productivity.
Preference will be given to candidates who have recently completed their Ph.D. and seek intensive postdoctoral training in advanced structural biology.
Research Environment: The laboratory is located in Rockville, Maryland, within the I-270 biotechnology corridor, adjacent to NIH, NIST, FDA, and numerous biotechnology companies. Available resources include: two 200-kV cryo-electron microscopes equipped with direct electron detectors and an energy filter; multiple vitrification platforms (Vitrobot Mark IV, Chameleon, CP3); an in-house high-performance computing cluster optimized for cryo-EM reconstruction; regular access to regional and national cryo-EM facilities including NCCAT, NCI, PNCC, and S2C2.
How to Apply: Applicants should email me (sshasan@som.umaryland.edu)-
1. A cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience
2. Curriculum vitae
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
