Postdoctoral Research Associate in Membrane Protein Structural Biology, Iowa State University, USA

Position Summary

Iowa State University’s Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a research program focused on the structural and functional characterization of membrane proteins using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemical, and biophysical approaches.

The successful candidate will lead studies of multidrug transporters, perform recombinant protein expression and purification, conduct in vitro assays, and solve high-resolution structures using state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities.

Designation

• Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Membrane Protein Structural Biology
• Appointment Type: Post Doc / Trainee
• Job Requisition Number: R19781

Key Details at a Glance

Research Area

• Field: Structural Biology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics
• Focus Topics: Eukaryotic Membrane Proteins, Multidrug Transporters, Single-Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM), Protein Expression & Purification, In Vitro Functional Assays

Location

• City/State: Ames, Iowa, United States
• Campus: Iowa State University

Eligibility & Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or a closely related discipline completed by the start date.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without employer sponsorship (immigration sponsorship is not available for this position).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in recombinant protein expression in mammalian and insect cell culture systems (including transient transfection and baculovirus generation in Sf9 cells).
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in the expression, detergent solubilization, and purification of eukaryotic membrane proteins.
• Experience in structural biology methods (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography), including sample preparation/grid freezing, data collection, data processing, model building, and refinement.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro biochemical and biophysical characterization assays.
• Strong record of scientific productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Job Description & Key Responsibilities

• Lead Research Projects: Spearhead structural and mechanistic investigations of multidrug transporters and related membrane protein targets.
• Protein Production & Characterization: Perform recombinant expression, extraction, detergent/nanodisc solubilization, and multi-step purification of target membrane proteins.
• Structural Determination: Carry out single-particle cryo-EM sample preparation, high-resolution data acquisition, image processing, 3D reconstruction, and atomic model refinement.
• Data Analysis & Dissemination: Analyze experimental data, write manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and present findings at national/international scientific conferences.
• Laboratory Leadership: Assist with routine laboratory operations, maintain shared equipment, and foster a collaborative research training environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through the Iowa State University Workday portal:

1. Visit the ISU Careers Job Listing.
2. Click Apply and complete the online Employment Application.
3. Attach the following required application materials:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Letter of Application / Cover Letter (outlining research background, technical experience, and career goals)

For questions regarding the application process, contact University Human Resources at employment@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-4800 (Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485).

Last Date to Apply

• Application Closing Date: August 21, 2026

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