Postdoctoral Research Associate - Structural Biology - Sun lab

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

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About The Position

The Sun lab in the Department of Structural Biology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellow for projects in structure-based drug discovery. The position offers an opportunity to work in a collaborative, well-resourced environment with access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities. The postdoctoral associate will investigate how small molecules work by combining structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology, and will study the pharmacology of novel small molecules in mammalian cells and animal models. The role includes taking ownership of sub-projects, collaborating with team members and external collaborators, and communicating research through records, data analysis, manuscripts, meetings, and conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, pharmacology, chemical biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong publication record, including at least one first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with single-particle cryo-EM, including sample preparation, data processing, and model building.
• Expertise in protein expression and purification.
• Background in chemical biology.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for mentoring junior lab members and contributing to a positive, supportive lab culture.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments in structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
• Perform protein complex expression and purification using mammalian and insect systems.
• Prepare cryo-EM samples, collect data, and determine high-resolution structures to understand the working mechanism of small molecules.
• Conduct functional assays in mammalian cells and animal models to study the pharmacology of novel small molecules.
• Learn and integrate new techniques as projects evolve.
• Maintain detailed records, analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and present results at lab meetings and scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with team members and external collaborators while taking ownership of sub-projects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary paid at or above national postdoctoral scales.
• Full benefits, including healthcare with minimal or no premiums.
• Retirement contributions.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Relocation support.
• Access to world-class core facilities, including the Cryo-EM Center, Protein Production, and Cell & Tissue Imaging.
• Unlimited computational resources.
• Dedicated professional development funding.

What This Job Offers

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