Postdoctoral Research Associates / Trainees in Cryo-EM Structural Biology – Ahlquist Lab

The Organization

As an independent research organization, the Morgridge Institute for Research explores uncharted scientific territory to discover tomorrow’s cures. In affiliation with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we support researchers who take a fearless approach to advancing human health in emerging fields such as virology, advanced multi-scale fluorescence and electron microscopy, metabolism and regenerative biology. Through public programming, we work to inspire scientific curiosity in everyday life.

The Opportunity

Postdoctoral research associate positions are available immediately in the Ahlquist Lab (Morgridge Institute and University of Wisconsin – Madison) to advance our recent use of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to reveal the first structures of genome replication complexes of positive-strand RNA viruses, which include coronaviruses and many other important pathogens (e.g., Unchwaniwala and Ahlquist [2020] Science; Unchwaniwala et al. [2020] PNAS; Ertel et al. [2017] eLife). The results have strong implications for virus function, virus-host interactions and potentially broad-spectrum anti-viral control.

Cryo-EM experience is desirable, but for qualified, highly motivated candidates, we will provide training in advanced cryo-EM sample preparation, cryo-EM tomography and single particle imaging, and computational image analysis. This is an outstanding opportunity for researchers wanting to gain experience in revolutionary cryo-EM approaches.

The Morgridge Institute and UW–Madison campus provide major strengths in cryo-EM including new, state-of-the-art facilities for all aspects of cryo-EM, the hub of the new NIH-funded National Network for Cryo-EM Tomography, outstanding high-throughput computational resources, etc. Our studies are further strengthened by close collaboration with our Morgridge Investigator / UW Professor colleague Tim Grant, developer of the widely used cisTEM image analysis suite (Grant et al. [2018] eLIfe) and other breakthroughs in cryo-EM.  Overall, our mechanistic studies develop and integrate synergistic new approaches in molecular genetics, biochemistry, structural biology, computational biology, and other areas.

Successful candidates will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team with diverse backgrounds and expertise in a well-equipped, interactive research environment on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. They will find fertile project foundations, opportunities to collaborate with leading groups in and beyond UW–Madison, and support for growth in creative and critical thinking, vision, communications, and other areas essential for varied research careers. We offer an outstanding work environment built around multi-disciplinary approaches, cutting edge facilities, and team science. UW–Madison consistently ranks among the top U.S. research universities and the City of Madison among the best places to live in the US, with a diversity of cultural and outdoor opportunities. In addition to competitive salary, health benefits, etc., Morgridge postdoctoral positions also provide the rare advantage of retirement benefits. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary duties.

Requirements

Education and Experience

Candidates should have a PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology or another relevant area. They should also have a productive experimental record, strong initiative and a clear desire to spearhead innovative, substantial research advances. Excellent communications skills and the ability to work with a diverse research team are essential. Prior experience with cryo-EM and/or viruses is appreciated but not required.

In order to ensure the safety of our workplace, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required unless an exemption is granted for medical, disability or religious reasons.

To apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via the link below.

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