Postdoctoral Research Associate in Membrane Protein Structural Biology

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Membrane Protein Structural Biology

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to a research program focused on the structural and functional characterization of membrane proteins using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemical, and biophysical approaches. The successful candidate will lead studies of multidrug transporters, including recombinant protein expression and purification, in vitro biochemical and biophysical analyses, and single-particle cryo-EM structure determination. Additional responsibilities include supporting research on other membrane protein targets, analyzing and interpreting experimental data, preparing manuscripts and presentations for publication and scientific conferences, and assisting with laboratory operations in a collaborative research environment. The position provides opportunities to work with state-of-the-art cryo-EM technologies and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries in membrane protein biology.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Ph. D. in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or related field by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in recombinant protein expression in mammalian and insect cell culture, including transient transfection and baculovirus generation in Sf9 cells
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in the expression, detergent solubilization, and purification of eukaryotic membrane proteins
• Experience in structural biology techniques (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography), including sample preparation, data collection, data processing, model building, and refinement
• Experience with in vitro biochemical and biophysical assays
• Record of scientific productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences

Department/Program & College Description

The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of life. Our department features research programs in a broad range of disciplines. Specifically, we have strengths in structural biology and biophysics, plant biochemistry, molecular signaling, nucleic acid biochemistry, and microbial biochemistry.

Department Unit/Website

• Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date

January 1, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

Post Docs

Original Posting Date

August 14, 2026

Posting Close Date

August 21, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19781

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.