Postdoc position in Molecular Biology & Biophysics

Postdoc position in Molecular Biology & Biophysics

The Wieczorek Group at the Institute of Molecular Biology & Biophysics at ETH Zurich investigates the physical principles underlying the self-assembly of complex intracellular structures from biomolecules. The group uses the microtubule cytoskeleton as a model system. We apply state-of-the-art methods in structural biology, in vitro biochemical reconstitutions, and single molecule biophysics to understand how diverse multi-microtubule assemblies form from a common tubulin “building block”. The results of our work are important for understanding the molecular basis of diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration, which are often directly linked to defects in microtubule network assembly.

Project background

Current projects in the lab build upon previous work by the Wieczorek Group on the structure and biophysics of microtubules and their associated protein complexes, including the gamma-tubulin ring complex (gamma-TuRC), a huge multiprotein assembly that nucleates and organizes microtubules in cells. We are interested in exploring the following open questions:

1. How does the gamma-TuRC regulate microtubule architecture?
2. How do gamma-TuRC co-factors interact with and regulate the various biochemical functions of the complex?
3. How are various microtubule networks properly established and regulated by the gamma-TuRC in conjunction with tubulin and other microtubule-associated proteins?

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to explore these and other fundamental questions as the basis of their postdoctoral project in the group. Some of our recent work:

• Krutyholowa et al., bioRxiv (2026) https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.03.742184v1
• Cai et al., Science Advances (2025) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41061066/
• Xu et al., Developmental Cell (2024) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39321808/
• Zhang et al., Acta Crystallographica D (2026) https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.24.703950v1
• Cai et al., bioRxiv (2026) https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.06.11.731632v1

Job description

We are looking for an exceptional postdoctoral candidate to work on the structure and biophysics of microtubules and their associated protein complexes. The successful candidate will be expected to lead an independent project while contributing actively to a highly dynamic and collaborative research environment.

In addition to a fully-equipped wet lab for specimen preparation, the successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art electron microscopes, including three 300 kV TFS Titan Krios instruments with Gatan K2 or K3 detectors and imaging filters; focused ion beam milling instrumentation, including a TFS Arctis plasma-FIB; and established large-scale storage and GPU computing infrastructure within the group, in addition to ETH Zurich's GPU cluster, Euler.

This is a fully funded position for 2 years with a tentative start date of as early as 1 January 2027.

Further project details will be discussed in the interview.

Profile

• A PhD (completed or nearing completion) in structural biology, biochemistry, or related fields
• Previous experience in structural biology and biochemistry, especially single particle cryo-EM or cryo-ET (e.g. sample preparation, data collection, image processing with RELION/cryoSPARC, model building with COOT/Phenix), as evidenced by first-author publications, is desirable
• Experience developing custom scripts in e.g. Python for data/image processing, including using deep learning libraries, are a plus
• Experience with basic molecular biology, cell culturing, and/or protein purification methods are a plus
• A strong enthusiasm for scientific discovery and an exceptional level of collegiality, dedication, and work ethic
• The writing of scientific papers and active participation in internal meetings and in international conferences will require a good knowledge of English

We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
• CV including a complete publication list
• Contact information for two references

Further information about the Institute of Molecular Biology & Biophysics can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Michal Wieczorek, Tel +41 44 633 66 54 or email michal.wieczorek@biol.ethz.ch (no applications).

Evaluation of applications will start immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.