Post Doc

Number of Positions In Requisition

1

Job Details

The Ruan Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Thomas Jefferson University is seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral research fellow to join our research team.

Job Description

Our laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying membrane protein function and cellular signaling, with a particular focus on cell-surface receptors and their associated signaling complexes. By integrating structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and cell-based functional approaches, we aim to understand how membrane proteins recognize extracellular signals, undergo conformational changes, and regulate downstream cellular responses.

Our research addresses fundamental questions in receptor-mediated signaling pathways relevant to development, tissue homeostasis, and human disease. We employ state-of-the-art single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), complemented by biochemical reconstitution, protein engineering, quantitative binding assays, and cellular functional studies, to uncover the molecular principles governing membrane protein regulation.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop independent research directions within the laboratory's broader scientific interests, contribute to ongoing projects, and collaborate with researchers across diverse disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

· Design and conduct innovative research investigating the structure, function, and regulatory mechanisms of membrane proteins and signaling complexes.

· Apply structural biology approaches, particularly single-particle cryo-EM, to investigate protein conformations and molecular interactions.

· Perform protein expression, purification, biochemical characterization, and functional analysis.

· Integrate structural findings with biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays to elucidate molecular mechanisms.

· Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare manuscripts for publication, and present findings at scientific meetings.

· Collaborate with laboratory members and external research partners to advance interdisciplinary projects.

· Contribute to the development of new experimental approaches and research directions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

· Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a closely related field.

· Strong research experience in protein biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, or related disciplines.

· Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, analyze experimental data, and solve scientific problems.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Strong motivation, scientific curiosity, and enthusiasm for collaborative research.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable but not required:

· Single-particle cryo-EM, including sample preparation, data processing, or atomic model building.

· Recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization, particularly membrane proteins or large protein complexes.

· Biophysical methods for studying protein interactions, such as SPR, BLI, or ITC.

· Cell-based signaling assays, protein trafficking, or receptor biology.

· Protein engineering and structure-guided functional studies.

Candidates with strong expertise in complementary research areas and an interest in learning new techniques are also encouraged to apply.

Research Environment and Career Development

The Ruan Laboratory offers a collaborative and supportive research environment with opportunities for scientific independence, technical development, and career advancement. The successful candidate will gain experience in cutting-edge structural and functional approaches, participate in interdisciplinary collaborations, and receive mentorship in manuscript preparation, grant writing, and scientific communication.

Our goal is to support postdoctoral researchers in developing the skills, scientific expertise, and independence necessary for successful careers in academia, biotechnology, or the pharmaceutical industry.

Work Shift

Workday Day (United States of America)

Worker Sub Type

Regular

Employee Entity

Thomas Jefferson University

Primary Location Address

1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Nationally ranked, Jefferson, which is principally located in the greater Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, is reimagining health care and higher education to create unparalleled value. Jefferson is more than 65,000 people strong, dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients; making our communities healthier and stronger; preparing tomorrow's professional leaders for 21st-century careers; and creating new knowledge through basic/programmatic, clinical and applied research. Thomas Jefferson University, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, dates back to 1824 and today comprises 10 colleges and three schools offering 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,300 students. Jefferson Health, nationally ranked as one of the top 15 not-for-profit health care systems in the country and the largest provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, serves patients through millions of encounters each year at 32 hospitals campuses and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations throughout the region. Jefferson Health Plans is a not-for-profit managed health care organization providing a broad range of health coverage options in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for more than 35 years.    

Jefferson is committed to providing equal educa­tional and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap or disability or any other protected group or status. 

Benefits

Jefferson offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including medical (including prescription), supplemental insurance, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, tuition assistance, as well as voluntary benefits, which provide colleagues with access to group rates on insurance and discounts. Colleagues have access to tuition discounts at Thomas Jefferson University after one year of full time service or two years of part time service. All colleagues, including those who work less than part-time (including per diem colleagues, adjunct faculty, and Jeff Temps), have access to medical (including prescription) insurance.

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