Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

A NIH-funded postdoctoral research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Seok-Yong Lee at the Duke University School of Medicine. We are seeking a highly motivated and independent scientist to investigate the molecular mechanisms of membrane transport proteins and ion channels essential to human health. The successful candidate will lead projects focused on cryo-EM structure determination and the biochemical/biophysical characterization of complex membrane transport systems.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education:
  
  Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Technical Expertise:
  Experience in membrane protein biochemistry and cryo-EM.
• Biophysical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in biophysical techniques such as CD, ITC, NMR, EPR, or fluorescence spectroscopy and quantitative analysis.
• Attributes: A strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and a desire to master new technologies in a highly collaborative setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Structural Studies:
  Executing the full cryo-EM workflow, including sample preparation/freezing, data collection, processing, and atomic model building.
• Biochemical/Biophysical Characterization:
  Managing protein engineering (cloning, expression, and purification) and conducting functional assays to validate structural findings.
• Cellular & In Vivo Integration:
  Utilizing light microscopy for in situ protein characterization and performing necessary animal handling for physiological relevance.
• Collaboration:
  
  Working within a multidisciplinary team to integrate structural data with electrophysiology and computational modeling.

Choose Duke. Research Environment Candidates will join a vibrant, well-funded research group with a track record of high-impact publications. The lab provides access to state-of-the-art facilities at Duke, including world-class cryo-EM suites and advanced imaging instrumentation.