The Liang Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry at Emory University School of Medicine invites applications for three (3) Postdoctoral Fellow positions in Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM), Cryo-Electron Tomography (Cryo-ET), and Structural Biology, including two (2) positions in Cryo-EM and Structural Biology and one (1) position in Cryo-ET and In Situ Structural Biology.
Our laboratory integrates cutting-edge structural biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics, and computational approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms of biological macromolecules and their roles in human health and disease. Building on our established research program in viral RNA synthesis machinery and viral replication mechanisms, we are expanding into neurodegenerative diseases, particularly the structural and mechanistic investigation of disease-associated amyloid filaments and protein aggregates.
We seek highly motivated and experienced scientists with strong backgrounds in protein biochemistry, structural biology, and Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET data analysis to advance these exciting research directions.
Research Opportunities
Successful candidates will contribute to innovative structural and mechanistic studies across the laboratory's research programs. Research opportunities include:
- High-resolution structural studies of viral RNA synthesis machinery, polymerase complexes, and other biological macromolecular assemblies
- Structural and mechanistic investigations of amyloid filaments, protein aggregates, and disease-associated molecular complexes
- Cryo-EM single-particle analysis, helical reconstruction, and atomic model building
- Cryo-ET, tomographic reconstruction, subtomogram averaging, and in situ structural analysis
- Protein expression, purification, biochemical characterization, and sample optimization
- Computational image processing, three-dimensional reconstruction, and structural interpretation
- Integration of structural, biochemical, biophysical, and functional approaches to uncover molecular mechanisms
Specific research projects will be aligned with laboratory priorities and the successful candidates' expertise and interests.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold, or expect to receive before appointment, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Virology, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated hands-on expertise in Cryo-EM and/or Cryo-ET, with the ability to work independently, is required. Candidates should possess strong technical skills in experimental and/or computational workflows, including sample preparation, structural data processing, and analysis. They must be able to execute experiments independently, troubleshoot challenges, and advance research projects with minimal supervision.
We particularly welcome candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Protein Biochemistry: Protein expression, purification, biochemical and biophysical characterization, and sample optimization
- Structural Biology: Cryo-EM sample preparation, single-particle analysis, helical reconstruction, Cryo-ET, subtomogram averaging, and atomic model building
- Structural Data Analysis: CryoSPARC, RELION, tomographic image processing, three-dimensional reconstruction, and computational structural analysis
Strong candidates will also demonstrate:
- Scientific independence, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills
- A productive research record, including publications or substantial scientific contributions
- Ability to integrate structural and functional approaches to address important biological questions
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
- Motivation, resilience, and commitment to scientific excellence
Research Environment and Career Development
The Liang Laboratory offers a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET facilities, advanced computational resources, and complementary biochemical and biophysical technologies.
Postdoctoral fellows will have opportunities to lead innovative research projects, contribute to high-impact scientific publications, develop independent research directions, and participate in interdisciplinary collaborations spanning structural biology, biochemistry, virology, neuroscience, and biomedical sciences.
Salary and Benefits
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, consistent with Emory University policies and applicable postdoctoral compensation guidelines. Comprehensive benefits are available.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit a single PDF containing:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a publication list
- Research statement (1-2 pages) describing major scientific accomplishments, independent contributions, and research interests
- Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET technical experience summary (1 page), highlighting hands-on experience, data analysis expertise, and specific technical contributions
- Representative publications or manuscripts, if applicable
- Contact information for three professional references
Applicants should indicate their primary interest in Cryo-EM/Structural Biology or Cryo-ET/In Situ Structural Biology, or both.
Please send applications directly to:
Bo Liang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry
Emory University School of Medicine
Email: bo.liang@emory.edu
Website: www.biochem.emory.edu/liang
We will review applications on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
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