Postdoctoral Researcher

Overview

The Wiedenheft Lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the structural mechanisms of immune systems that defend bacteria against viral (phage) infection. The successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary team studying CRISPR–Cas complexes, Defense-associated Reverse Transcriptases (DRTs), Retrons, and other recently discovered anti‑phage defense systems, applying state‑of‑the‑art structural biology approaches—particularly single‑particle cryo‑EM—to reveal their architecture, mechanism, and evolution.

• Determine high‑resolution structures of bacterial immune complexes using single‑particle cryo‑electron microscopy.
• Prepare, purify, and characterize protein complexes, including large multi‑subunit assemblies and membrane‑associated proteins.
• Collect and process cryo‑EM data using the Talos Arctica and downstream pipelines such as cryoSPARC and RELION.
• Integrate structural findings with biochemical and genetic data to define mechanisms of action.
• Develop and optimize workflows for sample preparation, grid screening, and high‑throughput image acquisition.
• Collaborate with computational and molecular biology teams to link structural insights to function and evolution.
• Lead manuscript preparation and present findings at internal group meetings, national conferences, and collaborative workshops.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive lab environment.

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience with single‑particle cryo‑EM (data collection, processing, and interpretation).
• Strong background in protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize experimental workflows.
• Evidence of productivity through publications or preprints.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.

• Experience with cryo‑EM at 200 keV or familiarity with Talos Arctica operation.
• Experience working with proteins involved in immunity.
• Expertise in membrane protein purification, lipid nanodiscs, or detergent‑solubilized systems.
• Familiarity with computational phylogenetics or evolutionary genomics of bacterial immune systems.
• Experience mentoring or supervising trainees.

Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. The position is a research professional appointment and is eligible for the standard benefits offered to research faculty.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.

To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.