Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

The Gibson and Skiniotis research groups are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead a joint effort in uncovering fundamental mechanisms of higher-order genome organization. This position is co-mentored, with the fellow holding membership in both laboratories, participating in joint lab meetings, shared project planning, and co-authored publications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to reconstitute and characterize condensed chromatin assemblies in vitro.
• Prepare cryo-EM and cryo-ET specimens of chromatin assemblies and cells, including cryo-FIB milling for in situ tomography.
• Collect, process, and interpret single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-ET/subtomogram averaging datasets.
• Integrate structural findings with biochemical, biophysical, and cellular data to build mechanistic models of genome organization.
• Present research at national and international meetings and prepare high-impact publications.
• Contribute to the collaborative scientific life of both laboratories and mentor junior trainees.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PhD (or MD/PhD) in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cell biology, or a related field, completed or expected at the time of appointment.
• A record of research productivity, including first-author publication(s) or preprint(s).
• Hands-on experience in at least one of the following: cryo-EM/cryo-ET, chromatin or nucleic acid-protein biochemistry, or quantitative biophysics of macromolecular assemblies.
• A passion for rigorous, mechanism-driven science and a thoughtful, collaborative mindset.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with nucleosome or chromatin reconstitution.
• Experience with cryo-EM/cryo-ET data processing (e.g., RELION, cryoSPARC, IMOD, Warp/M).
• Familiarity with scripting or programming for image analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar).

Training Environment and Resources

The fellow will benefit from two world-class training environments and learn modern concepts and techniques in both chromatin biochemistry and biophysics as well as structural analyses using cryogenic electron microscopy. The position offers access to the St. Jude Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology (COE-SCB) and the St. Jude Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Tomography Center, which provides:

• Multiple high-end transmission electron microscopes, including a 300 keV Titan Krios G4, Titan Krios, and Talos Arctica platforms equipped with K3 direct electron detectors and BioQuantum energy filters, plus a Talos L120C.
• A complete cryo-ET workflow including cryo-focused ion beam (FIB) milling, correlative cryo-light/electron microscopy, and volume EM approaches.
• Full sample preparation infrastructure (Vitrobot Mark IV, Leica EM GP2, plasma cleaning, glow discharge).
• Dedicated GPU workstations and clusters with institutional data infrastructure.
• Embedded staff scientists for consultation, training, and mentorship.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary exceeding the NIH scale, starting at $72,529 and increasing with experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance at $0 premium for individual coverage.
• 401(b) retirement plan with a 7% institutional contribution.
• $2,500 annual professional development allowance.
• Relocation assistance ($8,000 for moves over 100 miles).
• Individualized career development through the SMaRT (Strategic Milestones and Research Training) Plan, the CAP career advancement fellowship, teaching opportunities, and dedicated career advising.
• On-campus childcare access (Bright Horizons), free fitness center, generous paid time off, and a provided laptop.
• A vibrant postdoc community with social programming, seminars, and institutional fellowships.