Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

The Gibson and Skiniotis research groups are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead a joint effort focused on uncovering fundamental mechanisms of higher-order genome organization. This position offers dual mentorship within world-class training environments, providing opportunities to learn modern concepts and techniques in chromatin biochemistry, biophysics, and structural analyses using cryogenic electron microscopy. The successful candidate will analyze chromatin structures within cells and in vitro using cryo-electron microscopy and tomography (cryo-EM/cryo-ET).

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 Skills

• 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).

Dual-Mentorship Training Environment

• Full membership in both the Gibson laboratory (Department of Cell & Molecular Biology) and the Skiniotis laboratory (Department of Structural Biology).
• Joint lab meetings, shared project planning, and co-authored publications.
• Hands-on expertise in nucleosome array reconstitution, chromatin condensate formation and characterization, and thermodynamic frameworks.
• Rigorous training in single-particle cryo-EM and in situ cryo-ET, from sample vitrification through high-resolution reconstruction and subtomogram averaging.
• Access to the St. Jude Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology (COE-SCB) and the St. Jude Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Tomography Center.

Access to State-of-the-Art Facilities

• Multiple high-end transmission electron microscopes (e.g., 300 keV Titan Krios G4, Titan Krios, Talos Arctica, Talos L120C) equipped with K3 direct electron detectors and BioQuantum energy filters.
• 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).
• 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 and seminars.