Postdoctoral Scholar in Structural Biology and Cryo-EM

About the role

Description Position Objective Working under the supervision of Dr. Jason Mears, the postdoctoral scholar will lead interdisciplinary studies that emphasize high-resolution structural biology, particularly single-particle and/or helical cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), integrated with computational image processing, molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, quantitative biophysical analysis, and biochemical reconstitution. The scholar will express and purify recombinant proteins and protein complexes from bacterial, insect, mammalian, or other appropriate expression systems and will use these preparations to investigate protein assembly, membrane interactions, and structure- function relationships. Essential Functions • Conduct independent and collaborative research using cryo-EM, including specimen preparation, grid optimization, data collection, image processing, three-dimensional reconstruction, model building, validation, and interpretation of macromolecular structures. (25%) • Develop and apply computational workflows for structural data analysis, including cryo-EM image processing, scripting and automation, molecular modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations. Maintain organized, reproducible, and well-documented computational pipelines. (25%) • Design and perform recombinant protein and protein-complex expression, purification, and quality control using bacterial, insect, mammalian, or other suitable systems. Methods may include affinity, ion-exchange, and size- exclusion chromatography; centrifugation; electrophoresis; and related analytical approaches. (20%) • Design and conduct biochemical and biophysical experiments to quantify molecular interactions and mechanisms. Approaches will include biolayer interferometry (BLI) and may include mass photometry, analytical chromatography, membrane-reconstitution assays, enzyme assays, and complementary spectroscopic or microscopy-based methods. (15%) • Analyze and interpret data; maintain complete research records; prepare figures, manuscripts, presentations, fellowship or grant materials, and reports; and communicate findings at laboratory, institutional, and national or international meetings. (10%) • Contribute to the training and mentorship of graduate, undergraduate, and rotating students and support the safe, collegial, and effective operation of the laboratory. (5%) Nonessential Functions Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in collaborative projects, review of scientific literature and manuscripts, assistance with laboratory organization, and development of new experimental or computational capabilities. Contacts Department: Daily contact with the principal investigator, laboratory members, and departmental personnel. University: Regular contact with faculty, trainees, core-facility staff, and collaborators across the university. External: Occasional contact with scientific collaborators, vendors, and members of the broader research community. Students: Regular interaction with graduate, undergraduate, and rotating students for training and scientific collaboration. Supervisory Responsibility The position does not include formal supervisory responsibility for staff employees. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to provide technical guidance and research mentorship to trainees. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications • PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, molecular biology, computational biology, chemistry, or a closely related field by the start date. • Demonstrated research experience in structural biology, with substantive experience in cryo-EM. • Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification. • Evidence of scientific productivity and the ability to communicate research findings effectively in written and oral formats. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with single-particle analysis, helical reconstruction, cryo-electron tomography, or membrane- protein/filamentous assemblies. • Proficiency with cryo-EM image-processing software such as RELION, cryoSPARC, cisTEM, EMAN2, or comparable packages. • Experience with Linux-based high-performance computing, scripting, workflow automation, and data management; Python and/or shell scripting is especially valuable. • Experience with molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations using packages such as GROMACS, NAMD, AMBER, CHARMM, OpenMM, or comparable tools. • Experience with quantitative biophysical methods, particularly biolayer interferometry (BLI/Octet). • Experience expressing and purifying proteins or complexes from multiple systems, including bacterial, insect, and/or mammalian cells. • Experience with membrane-associated proteins, protein assemblies, mitochondrial biology, or dynamin-family GTPases. Required Skills and Competencies • Ability to plan, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret complex experiments with increasing independence. • Strong quantitative, computational, and critical-thinking skills. • Ability to maintain accurate and reproducible experimental and computational records. • Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment. • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills. • Commitment to research rigor, laboratory safety, responsible conduct of research, and a respectful training environment. • Ability to meet consistent attendance requirements and perform laboratory work in person as required. Working Conditions Work will be performed in general laboratory, microscopy, tissue-culture, and computational environments. The position may involve work with recombinant DNA, noninfectious biological materials, cell cultures, purified proteins and protein complexes, cryogens, and standard laboratory chemicals. Personal protective equipment, including laboratory coat, gloves, eye protection, and other equipment appropriate to the task, will be required. Some experiments or microscope sessions may require work outside standard business hours.   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 - $63,480. 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. Application Instructions Postdoctoral Scholar in Cryo-EM and Computational Structural Biology A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Jason Mears in the Department of Pharmacology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. The Mears Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that coordinate mitochondrial membrane remodeling, with a particular focus on the structure, assembly, and regulation of proteins that drive mitochondrial fission. The successful candidate will combine high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy with computational and quantitative biophysical approaches to define structure-function relationships in dynamic protein and membrane- associated assemblies. The project will include cryo-EM specimen preparation, data collection and image processing; molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations; recombinant protein and complex expression and purification; and biochemical and biophysical analysis, including biolayer interferometry (BLI). The ideal candidate will have: • A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, computational biology, chemistry, or a related discipline. • Substantive experience with cryo-EM and image processing. • Strong computational skills relevant to structural biology, including Linux-based computing, scripting, molecular modeling, and/or molecular dynamics simulations. • Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification from one or more systems; experience across bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems is advantageous. • Experience with quantitative biophysical methods; expertise with BLI/Octet is particularly desirable. • A strong record of scientific productivity, careful experimental practice, and effective written and oral communication. The postdoctoral scholar will join a collaborative research environment with access to advanced cryo-EM, biophysical, biochemical, and computational resources through the Mears Lab, the Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, and the broader mitochondrial research community at Case Western Reserve University. Application Materials Applicants should submit: (1) a cover letter describing research experience, technical expertise, and career goals; (2) a curriculum vitae; and (3) the names and contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at . Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.