Postdoctoral Research Associate - Structural Biology - Sun Lab

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellow to join the Sun lab in the Department of Structural Biology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The project focuses on the molecular architecture and function of the intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery, building directly on our recent high-resolution cryo-EM structures of the human IFT-A complex published in Cell Research (Jiang et al., 2023).

The successful candidate will use cutting-edge cryo-EM, biochemistry, and cell biology to (1) visualize higher-order IFT train assemblies, (2) dissect cargo recognition and transport mechanisms, (3) characterize disease mutations in ciliopathies, and (4) explore therapeutic avenues for cilia-related disorders affecting the brain, kidney, skeleton, eyes, and other tissues. This is an exceptional opportunity to work at the forefront of structural biology in a highly collaborative, well-resourced environment with access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities.

Job Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments in structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology
• Perform protein complex expression/purification (mammalian and insect systems), cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, and high-resolution structure determination
• Process and refine complex cryo-EM datasets using strong computational skills (RELION, cryoSPARC, etc.)
• Conduct functional assays in mammalian cells (e.g., IMCD3, RPE1, MEF) to assess ciliary localization, transport, and signaling
• Rapidly learn and integrate new techniques as the project evolves
• Maintain detailed records, analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and present results at lab meetings and scientific conferences
• Work collaboratively with team members and external collaborators while taking ownership of sub-projects

Minimum Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, or a closely related field (or expected within the next 6 months)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong publication record with at least one first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior hands-on experience with single-particle cryo-EM (sample prep, data processing, model building) is a plus
• Expertise in protein expression/purification, especially large multi-subunit complexes
• Background in cilia biology, membrane trafficking, or ciliopathies
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Enthusiasm for mentoring junior lab members and contributing to a positive, supportive lab culture

What We Offer

St. Jude offers one of the most generous and comprehensive postdoctoral packages in the industry. This includes competitive salary (paid at or above national postdoctoral scales), full benefits (healthcare with minimal or no premiums), retirement contributions, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and relocation support. You will have access to world-class core facilities (Cryo-EM Center, Protein Production, Cell & Tissue Imaging, etc.), unlimited computational resources, and dedicated professional development funding. St. Jude is consistently ranked among Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” and is a top destination for postdoctoral training.

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.