Postdoctoral Associate, Physiology and Biophysics

Position Title Postdoctoral Associate, Physiology and Biophysics

Postdoctoral Position Available Immediately

Biology happens in motion. Yet most structural and biophysical methods capture only static snapshots. Our laboratory seeks to understand dynamic molecular mechanisms underlying protein function. We integrate structural biology, electrophysiology, quantitative biophysics, and computational approaches 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 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 time-resolved cryo-EM. Together, these approaches are establishing a new framework for dynamic structural biophysics.

Our current biological focus is thermoTRP ion channels – molecular sensors of temperature and pain. Beyond these fascinating proteins, our long-term goal is to develop broadly applicable approaches for studying protein dynamics across diverse biological systems.

• 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

This position offers the opportunity to participate in an innovative, interdisciplinary research program at the interface of structural biology, electrophysiology, instrumentation, and quantitative biophysics. Working closely with Professor Qin and collaborators, the successful candidate will contribute to exciting biological discoveries while building a broad foundation in modern structural and biophysical research.

The laboratory emphasizes close mentoring, creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development, providing an environment in whichtrainees 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.

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.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable, but not required:

• Electrophysiology
• Protein biochemistry
• Structural biology
• Cryo-EM
• Fluorescent microscopy

Most importantly, we seek motivated, creative, intellectually curious scientists who enjoy tackling important biological problems and are excited to learn new…