Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Physiology and Biophysics

About this position

The Zhu Lab in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Case Western Reserve University is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a postdoctoral fellow position. This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal for additional years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding. The enthusiastic postdoctoral fellow will investigate host defense mechanisms and pathogen adaptation within host cells using cutting-edge cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) techniques in conjunction with cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM) and cryo-focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (cryo-FIB/SEM).

This position focuses on elucidating the structural mechanisms of GBP1 (Guanylate Binding Protein 1), a critical interferon-induced immune protein that recognizes and destroys diverse intracellular bacterial pathogens. The postdoctoral fellow will visualize critical biological processes underlying host cell defense against microbial threats using state-of-the-art cryo-ET, and will contribute to developing novel in situ imaging methods for studying host-pathogen interactions at molecular resolution.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Design and execute in vitro reconstitution experiments to investigate GBP1 targeting of pathogen surfaces, including protein purification, mutagenesis, and biochemical characterization.

• Perform cryo-ET sample preparation and data collection, including plunge-freezing, cryo-FIB/SEM lamella milling, and tilt series acquisition on the Titan Krios cryo-electron microscope.

• Conduct cryo-CLEM to identify and target biological structures of interest, correlating fluorescence signals with high-resolution ultrastructural data in both ex situ and in situ contexts.

• Analyze cryo-ET datasets, including tomogram reconstruction, subtomogram averaging, and 3D structure determination, to elucidate GBP1 structural mechanisms during pathogen recognition and organelle interactions.

• Perform mammalian cell culture, genetic manipulation, and bacterial infection assays to generate cellular models for structural studies.

• Collaborate with laboratory members and external collaborators on interdisciplinary aspects of the research program, including structural biology, immunology, and infection biology.

• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and national/international scientific conferences, and contribute to manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publication.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, or a related field.

• Experience with cryo-electron microscopy is preferred but not required; candidates with strong backgrounds in structural biology, biochemistry, or molecular/cell biology and a demonstrated interest in learning cryo-EM techniques will also be considered.

• Experience with protein purification and biochemical characterization preferred.

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and/or bacterial genetics preferred.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills necessary.

• At least 1 peer-reviewed publications.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

How to Apply:

https:apply.interfolio.com/191863

In compliance with the City of Cleveland’s Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective

October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is $55,000 -

$62,652. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding

and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Postdocs receive

individual and family healthcare benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities Applications requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216.368.3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.