Postdoctoral Researcher

The successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary team studying CRISPR–Cas complexes, Defense-associated Reverse Transcriptases (DRTs), Retrons, and other recently discovered anti-phage defense systems. This position provides an exceptional opportunity to apply state-of-the-art structural biology approaches—particularly single-particle cryo-EM—to reveal the architecture, mechanism, and evolution of these defense systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Determine high-resolution structures of bacterial immune complexes using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy.
• Prepare, purify, and characterize protein complexes, including large multi-subunit assemblies and membrane-associated proteins.
• Collect and process cryo-EM data using the Talos Arctica and downstream pipelines (e.g., cryoSPARC and RELION).
• Integrate structural findings with biochemical and genetic data to define mechanism of action.
• Develop and optimize workflows for sample preparation, grid screening, and high-throughput image acquisition.
• Collaborate with computational and molecular biology teams to link structural insights to function and evolution.
• Lead manuscript preparation and present findings at internal group meetings, national conferences, and collaborative workshops.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive lab environment.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

• Hands-on experience with single-particle cryo-EM (data collection, processing, and interpretation).

• Strong background in protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize experimental workflows.

• Evidence of productivity through publications or preprints.

• Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience with cryo-EM at 200 keV or familiarity with Talos Arctica operation.

• Experience working with proteins that involved in immunity.

• Expertise in membrane protein purification, lipid nanodiscs, or detergent-solubilized systems.

• Familiarity with computational phylogenetics or evolutionary genomics of bacterial immune systems.

• Experience mentoring or supervising trainees.

The Successful Candidate Will

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?

No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on December 31, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.