Job description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
Postdoctoral Position Available Immediately
Qin Laboratory for Dynamic Structural Biophysics
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
State University of New York at Buffalo
Our Vision: Observe Biology in Motion
Biology happens in motion. Yet most structural and biophysical methods capture only static snapshots. Our laboratory develops innovative experimental and computational approaches that are integrated with structural biology, electrophysiology, and quantitative biophysics to visualize transient molecular events and uncover the physical principles that govern protein function.
Our philosophy is simple: when existing tools cannot answer important biological questions, we build new ones. This philosophy has led to innovations ranging from the QuB software suite for single-channel kinetic analysis, to submillisecond temperature-clamp electrophysiology, differential scanning calorimetry for thermal activation, and now millisecond time-resolved cryo-EM. Supported by a newly funded NIH R35 Outstanding Investigator Award, we are establishing a new experimental framework for dynamic structural biophysics.
Current Research
Our current biological focus is thermoTRP ion channels - the molecular sensors of heat and pain. Beyond these fascinating proteins, our long-term goal is to develop broadly applicable approaches for studying protein dynamics across diverse biological systems.
Current research includes:
- Decoding the mechanisms of temperature sensing by ion channels
- Developing and applying time-resolved cryo-EM to capture previously inaccessible conformational states
- Engineering ultrafast perturbation methods that trigger and trap dynamic protein motions in real time.
- Integrating structural, electrophysiological, thermodynamic, and computational approaches into quantitative models of protein dynamics
Faculty profile and publications:
https://medicine.buffalo.edu/faculty/profile.html?ubit=qin
Work content and job description
The Opportunity
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to exciting biological discoveries while developing expertise at the interface of structural biology, electrophysiology, instrumentation, and quantitative biophysics. Working closely with Professor Qin and collaborators, the successful candidate will receive close mentoring while building a strong foundation in modern structural and biophysical research.
The laboratory emphasizes close mentoring, creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development, providing an environment in which trainees progress from guided research to increasing scientific independence while developing their own scientific ideas, learning new techniques, and producing high-quality publications.
We do not expect applicants to have expertise in every aspect of our research. Laboratory members come from diverse backgrounds, including electrophysiology, structural biology, protein biochemistry, computation, physics, and engineering. We build on each individual's strengths while providing opportunities to broaden their expertise, learn new methodologies, and collaborate across disciplines in a supportive environment.
Professor Qin has over 30 years of mentoring experience and is committed to helping trainees develop into independent scientists through personalized mentoring, scientific freedom, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to lead innovative research, publish impactful work, and prepare for independent research careers.
Research and Training Environment
The laboratory offers a highly interdisciplinary research environment integrating structural biology, electrophysiology, fluorescence microscopy, protein biochemistry, thermodynamics, instrumentation development, and quantitative modeling. Our long-standing collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory provides access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities, expertise, and collaborative opportunities.
Assigned department
Existing departments
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo
Job type
- Researcher/Postdoc level
- Others
- Postdoctoral Position
Research field
- Life Science - Biophysics
- Life Science - Structural biochemistry
- Life Science - Applied biochemistry
- Life Science - Neuroscience-general
- Life Science - Physiology
Wages
Common to all Job Types
Approximately USD $60,000 or higher, commensurate with qualifications and experience, consistent with NIH guidelines, plus a comprehensive employee benefits package.
The University at Buffalo provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and access to outstanding research facilities.
Visa sponsorship is available for qualified international applicants.
Working hours
Common to all Job Types
Working hours :09:00-17:00
Application requirements
Qualifications
Education and Degree Requirements
Ph.D. / Doctor
Official qualification in specific field, etc.
Applicants should have, or be close to completing, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
Description
Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required:
- Electrophysiology
- Protein biochemistry
- Structural biology
- Cryo-EM
- Fluorescence microscopy
We do not expect applicants to have expertise in every aspect of our research.
Employment Type
Common to all Job Types
Regular employee
Contract period
Common to all Job Types
Nontenured - Non-tenure track
4 years
Probationary period absent
Work location
Others
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York 14214
USA
Compensation
Application Considerations
Number of hired
1 person(s)
Application period
2026/08/11~2027/08/10 Deadline for receipt
Applications will be close as soon as suitable candidate is found
Application method
Attached documents
Application Form :
Online Submission
Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled. Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Please send:
- Curriculum vitae
- Brief statement of research interests
- Contact information for 2-3 references
to: qin@buffalo.edu
Subject line: Postdoctoral Application.
Return of application documents
We will dispose of all application documents responsibly.
JREC-IN Portal Web application
Not available
E-mail Application
Accept
qin(at)buffalo.edu
- Please change (at) to @ and send it.
Recruiting Institution's Web application system
Not available
URL of this job posting
Selection / Notification of result
Selection
After screening of documents, interviews will be conducted online
Notification of result
Applicants will be notified within a few days after the interviews.
Contact details
State University of New York at Buffalo
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Feng Qin
7168296030
qin(at)buffalo.edu
- Please change (at) to @ and send it.
