Research Specialist - Biochemistry

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

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The Ghanbarpour Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at WashU Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist to join our interdisciplinary research program.

Our lab investigates how bacteria and human mitochondria maintain homeostasis and respond to stress and environmental challenges. A central focus of our research is uncovering the molecular mechanisms of ATP‑dependent AAA+ proteolytic machines, both soluble and membrane‑spanning, and their accessory factors in bacterial and mitochondrial systems. We study how these complexes assemble, achieve substrate specificity, and promote bacterial recovery from antibiotic stress, environmental changes, and pathogen attack.

These efforts integrate cryo‑EM and cryo‑ET structural biology, biochemical and cellular assays, and mass spectrometry.

The lab also explores bacterial defense mechanisms against bacteriophage infection, including the deployment of innate immune strategies that enable survival during phage attack. Another major focus of our research is protein engineering and the development of new molecular tools based on these systems.

In this role, you will receive extensive hands‑on training in cryo‑EM sample preparation and data analysis, heterogeneity analysis tools, mass spectrometry, membrane biology, biochemistry, and cellular assays. The Ghanbarpour Laboratory and WashU Medicine provide state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure for structural biology, biochemistry, and mass spectrometry, along with a highly collaborative research environment.

Provides critically complex research and experimentation for department/s allowing the advancement of scientific analysis and discovery. Serves as a subject matter expert offering support, training and guidance relative to the discipline/area. May participate and or present on the research developed, or the established work of those within the department.

The position is supported by NIH grant R35GM
160328, the Longer Life Foundation, the Siteman Cancer Center Catalysts Award, and Washington University startup funds.

Related papers:

1. Zhang T.;
Lyu, Y.;
Beck,

C.;
Iqbal, N.;
Barbosa R.;
Ghanbarpour,

A.;
Laub, T. M.;
Activation of a bacterial immunity protein via supramolecular assembly with multiple phage triggers, Nature (2026).

2. Iqbal, N.;
Keller, S.;

Ghanbarpour,

A.Structural plasticity of the membrane‑bound protein degradation assembly supports bacterial adaptation to stress.

Cell Reports, 2026.

3. Ghanbarpour,

A.;
Telusma,

B.;
Powell,

B.;
Zhang, J. J.;
Bolstad, I.;
Vargas,

C.;
Keller, S.;
Baker, T. A;
Sauer, R. T;
Davis, J. H.;
An asymmetric nautilus‑like HflK/C assembly controls FtsH proteolysis of membrane proteins, The EMBO Journal, 44, 2501 (2025).

4. Ghanbarpour,

A.;
Sauer, R. T;
Davis, J. H.; A proteolytic AAA+ machine poised to unfold a protein substrate, Nature Communications, 15, 9681 (2024).

Primary

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs complex analyses, experiments and project work under general direction of the PI. Serves as representative for PI and ensures procedures and protocols are adhered to consistently and effectively meet department’s standard. Exhibits a high degree of independent problem solving and ability to conduct research on assigned projects. May serve in lead role as needed.
• Plans, develops, organizes and formalizes research results and findings. May develop for presentation and/or present on behalf of department. Conducts literature searches related to research projects. Writes/co‑authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical and sometimes multiple formats tailored to audiences. May participate in work related to grants.
• Solves…