Postdoctoral Fellow Position | Neal Lab – UC San Diego | HHMI

Institution: University of California San Diego (UC San Diego)

Laboratory: Neal Lab

Affiliation: Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)

Research Area: Membrane Protein Quality Control | Structural Biology | Biophysics | Cell Biology | Protein Folding | Imaging | Mammalian Cell Biology

The Neal Lab at UC San Diego
, led by an HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar
, is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow to lead exciting structural and biophysical studies investigating how misfolded membrane proteins are detected and cleared by the cell’s quality control machinery.

The position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, and imaging
, while contributing to an active and collaborative research program focused on understanding membrane protein quality control.

Investigate how cells identify and eliminate misfolded membrane proteins and understand the molecular mechanisms underlying membrane protein quality control.

Apply structural and biophysical approaches to understand membrane protein structure, folding, quality control, and cellular processing
.

Combine molecular and structural approaches with cell-based assays to connect molecular mechanisms with cellular outcomes.

Use imaging approaches to investigate membrane protein behavior and connect structural observations with cellular phenotypes.

Study how the cellular quality control machinery detects and responds to improperly folded membrane proteins.

The appointed Postdoctoral Fellow will be responsible for:

• Leading independent research projects focused on membrane protein quality control
  .
• Investigating how misfolded membrane proteins are detected and cleared by cells.
• Applying structural and biophysical approaches to study membrane proteins.
• Designing and conducting rigorous experiments.
• Combining structural approaches with cell-based and imaging assays
  .
• Connecting molecular mechanisms to cellular outcomes.
• Performing protein expression, purification, and characterization where appropriate.
• Applying membrane protein reconstitution approaches where required.
• Collaborating with researchers across the UC San Diego research community and beyond.
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental data.
• Preparing manuscripts and research presentations.
• Presenting findings at scientific conferences.
• Mentoring students and junior researchers.
• Contributing to the scientific direction of an active and growing research program.
• Participating in a collaborative and supportive laboratory environment.

The position centers on understanding the mechanisms governing membrane protein quality control and how cells maintain protein homeostasis.

The major areas of work include:

• Membrane protein quality control
• Protein folding and misfolding
• Structural biology
• Biophysics
• Structural/biophysical characterization
• Cell biology
• Mammalian cell culture
• Imaging
• Cell-based assays
• Molecular mechanisms of protein quality control

The research program combines structural, biophysical, cellular, and imaging approaches to understand how molecular events in membrane protein quality control translate into cellular outcomes.

Applicants should have:

• A recent PhD or expected PhD completion shortly in:
  • Biochemistry
  • Biophysics
  • Structural Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Or a related field
• A strong record of independent and rigorous research
  .
• Strong scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent experimental and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.

Hands-on experience with membrane proteins, particularly in areas such as:

• Structural…