Post-Doctoral Fellow

Post-Doctoral Fellow

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: SOM, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

Job Title: Post-Doctoral Fellow

Position #: 00846566 - Requisition #:39563

Job Summary:

The Cui Lab (www.thecuilab.com) in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, is seeking a highly motivated and creative Post-Doctoral Fellow. This is a unique opportunity to be a founding member of a new research program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, helping to shape the scientific direction of a lab dedicated to uncovering the structural logic of cellular signaling.

The research in the lab centers on the structural logic of membrane-localized cellular signaling pathways, including mTORC1 and small GTPases. By employing high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and tomography (cryo-ET), we aim to capture the transient, high-order assemblies that trigger signaling in response to stress. In addition to protein-protein interactions, the lab explores the role of membrane dynamics and lipid environments in modulating signaling scaffolds. We investigate how membrane-remodeling complexes and specific lipid compositions influence the spatial organization of the lysosomal surface. Our goal is to reconstitute these signaling events in vitro to determine how physical changes in the membrane bilayer coordinate with biochemical signals to control cell fate. This work bridges the gap between static structural snapshots and the fluid, dynamic nature of the cellular landscape, providing a holistic view of how metabolic sensors operate within their native membrane environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Research: Design and execute independent projects focusing on membrane-localized signaling complexes or membrane-remodeling complexes.
• Technical Innovation: Utilize and develop expertise in high-resolution cryo-EM, cryo-ET, and the reconstitution of membrane-associated signaling complexes.
• Data Analysis: Use computational tools (e.g., CryoSPARC, ChimeraX) to analyze and interpret complex structural data.
• Leadership: Help establish lab protocols and mentor graduate and undergraduate students as the lab grows.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

Our department conducts research across a wide biological scale for fundamental scientific understanding with applications to many disease contexts. The overarching goal is to reach a level of molecular insight that helps develop therapeutic approaches to disease.

As biochemists and molecular geneticists, we are amid an unprecedented time of discovery - our conception of the molecular biology of cells is going from the equivalent of grainy black-and-white to high-resolution technicolor. From deciphering the choreography of transcription complexes, chromosomes, and RNA molecules within cells to developing novel approaches to 3D molecular structure determination to understanding how viruses hijack a cell's machinery and alter its metabolome, the researchers in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) are at the forefronts of their fields both conceptually and technologically.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in Membrane biology, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in either membrane biology, protein purification, biochemical, biophysical assays, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), or cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET)
• Experience mentoring or supervising students, research assistants, or junior trainees

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to manuscripts and presentations
• Ability to lead and troubleshoot research projects
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet research deadlines, and contribute positively to a rigorous and inclusive lab culture
• Ability to plan and carry out experiments with minimal supervision

Anticipated Pay Range:

HIRING RANGE: $62,232 to $75,564