Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Information

Kelley Kane

kelleykane

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. This position provides an exceptional opportunity to apply state-of-the-art structural biology approaches—particularly single-particle cryo-EM—to reveal the architecture, mechanism, and evolution of these defense systems.

The postdoc will have direct access to a 200 keV Thermo Fisher Talos Arctica equipped for high-resolution data collection, as well as complementary biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics resources.

Position Number 4C0483 Department Microbiology & Cell Biology Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Research Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

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. This position provides an exceptional opportunity to apply state-of-the-art structural biology approaches—particularly single-particle cryo-EM—to reveal the architecture, mechanism, and evolution of these defense systems.

• 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 (e.g., cryoSPARC and RELION).
• Integrate structural findings with biochemical and genetic data to define mechanism 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 that involved in immunity.
• Expertise in membrane protein purification, lipid nanodiscs, or…