Postdoctoral Positions in In Situ Structural Biology

Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields Postdoctoral Positions in In Situ Structural Biology

The Zhu Laboratory in the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University invites applications for postdoctoral fellows. Their laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, with a focus on how host cells deploy antimicrobial defense machinery against invasive bacterial and parasitic pathogens. Building on the PI's extensive expertise in cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and innate immunity, the laboratory employs an integrated suite of advanced imaging technologies, including cryo-ET, cryo-FIB/SEM, and cryo-CLEM to determine high-resolution in situ structures of host defense machineries and pathogen virulence factors in their native cellular environment.

Their research program is supported by sustained long-term NIH funding and benefits from state-of-the-art instrumentation that the Zhu Lab has established on-site  further details on our research and ongoing projects, please visit the Lab website:
Cryo-ET @Cleveland and Google Scholar:
Shiwei ZHU

They seek highly motivated candidates with a PhD in structural biology, biophysics, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related discipline to conduct research in cryo-ET and in situ structural biology, with a primary focus on three-dimensional structural determination of intracellular immune proteins and pathogen virulence factors. Research activities will encompass cryo-FIB sample preparation, cryo-CLEM, and subtomogram averaging (STA). The PI has extensive hands-on experience in cryo-FIB and cryo-ET and will provide systematic technical mentorship;

representative publications include a 2021 study in Nature reporting the first in vivo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) structure determined by cryo-ET (PMCID: PMC
8478157), and a 2024 study in Science reporting the native structure of immune proteins recognizing bacteria (PMCID: PMC). Prior experience in cryo-EM/ET or cell biology is not required; enthusiasm for mechanistic structural biology and a strong commitment to scientific rigor are essential.

• A supportive, collaborative environment with a strong commitment to mentorship and career development
• Access to world-class cryo-EM/ET infrastructure at CWRU
• Training across an integrated suite of cutting-edge structural and cell biology techniques
• Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with NIH guidelines

They are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive laboratory and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.