Postdoctoral Research Associate - Host Microbe Interactions

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital • Memphis, TN

19h • Onsite

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Salvador Almagro-Moreno, Associate Member in the Department of Host-Microbe Interactions at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The project is in close collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Francis O’Reilly. The Moreno lab investigates the emergence and evolution of bacterial pathogens. Our major research interests include elucidating the molecular strategies that bacterial pathogens develop for host colonization, virulence regulation and dispersal from the host. The O’Reilly lab investigates the structure of the proteome in cells with structural proteomics approaches. Our research program focuses on pathogenic members of the family Vibrionaceae with a strong emphasis on the intestinal pathogen Vibrio cholerae and the climate-sensitive pathogen Vibrio vulnificus, source of fulminant septicemia. Our goal is to gain the knowledge to a) effectively forecast the traits of emergent virulent strains, b) predict the sources of outbreaks, and c) identify potential drug targets for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes to prevent colonization or limit the spread of these infectious agents. The project seeks to map how protein complexes exist in their native cellular environments a central challenge in understanding the molecular logic of these pathogenic bacteria. By combining cutting-edge proteomics and structural biology, the postdoctoral fellow will reveal new principles of macromolecular organization that underpin free living and pathogenic Vibrio species. This work will advance both fundamental knowledge and translational discovery.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong foundation in molecular biology, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, or chemical probe development.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, critical thinking, and collaborative research.
• Strong background in proteomics, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, or structural biology.
• Extensive experience with bacteriology, advanced molecular microbiology techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments independently and to critically analyze data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and collaborative discussions.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, integrity, and teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with protein complex analysis, crosslinking chemistry, or integrative modeling is advantageous but not required.
• Experience in mass spectrometry–based proteomics, crosslinking chemistry, or structural methods such as cryo-EM or integrative modeling.
• Familiarity with computational tools for protein structure analysis, molecular modeling, or large-scale data interpretation.
• Prior exposure to cell biology or in situ biochemical methods.
• Ability to mentor junior researchers and contribute to collaborative, multi-lab projects.
• Enthusiasm for learning new experimental and computational approaches to explore macromolecular assemblies in their native context.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects aimed at uncovering the structural organization of macromolecular complexes in cells using advanced crosslinking mass spectrometry, cryo-EM, and computational modeling.
• Design and execute experiments.
• Analyze large-scale proteomic data.
• Interpret results.
• Lead projects that gravitate at the interface of several scientific disciplines.
• Contribute to the development of novel projects and proposals.
• Train junior scientists.

Benefits

• Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists, coupled with cutting-edge technology, accelerates research productivity.
• Customized professional and career growth programs designed to enhance professional growth and career readiness.
• Access to grant writing workshops.
• Individual development plans.
• Teaching and mentoring opportunities.
• Non-research career advancement programs.
• Professional development allowance.
• Competitive salary starting at $72,500 a year.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• Generous relocation assistance.

What This Job Offers

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