Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sun lab ( https://www.jiesunlab.com/ ) is interested in developing advanced mass spectrometry–based structural proteomics platforms to investigate protein structure and dynamics in native environments. We focus on: (1) integral membrane proteins embedded in their physiological lipid contexts, and (2) intrinsically disordered proteins such as Tau. By integrating chemical footprinting, in situ labeling strategies, and multi-modal MS analysis, we aim to decode the high-order structures of those sensitive proteins and facilitate the understanding of disease mechanisms and drug development. The Sun lab is in the BCMB department (bcmb.utk.edu) at the University of Tennessee in the city of Knoxville. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, mass spectrometry imaging, or a related field.
• First-author publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong background in protein biochemistry or molecular biology.
• Ability to design and conduct independent research experiments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in protein expression and purification.
• Experience with SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and standard protein characterization techniques.
• Experience with protein footprinting, cross-linking MS, or structural proteomics.

Responsibilities

• This postdoctoral position is expected to work largely on a recently NIH-funded project in the area of mass spectrometry-based protein biophysics of membrane proteins.
• The main experimental techniques for investigations will include mass spectrometry (MS), protein footprinting, cross-linking, protein MS imaging, and AI-based protein structural prediction.
• The main instrument would be a newly installed TimsTOF Pro 2 coupled with NanoElute 2 nanoHPLC-MS system in the Sun laboratory.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree