Postdoctoral Fellow - Structural Immunology

Join UConn Health to investigate programmed cell death and immune signaling using advanced structural biology and biochemistry.

Best for:Best for molecular biologists and biochemists eager to apply structural biology and cryo-EM to immunology and cell death research.

UConn Health · Farmington, United States · R2 · Recognised researcher

More professors at UConn Health

Structural ImmunologyProgrammed Cell DeathInnate ImmunityCryo-EMProtein Biochemistry

This is a postdoc position — not a PhD studentship.

Deadline

Oct 24, 2026

7 days

Funding

Salaried

Competitive

Start date

Immediately with flexible start date

Full-time

Location

Farmington

United States

Overview

UConn Health invites applications for a fully funded Postdoctoral Fellow position in structural immunology within the Ruan Laboratory. The successful candidate will investigate programmed cell death, innate immunity, and host-pathogen interactions using techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy, protein biochemistry, and biophysics. The role offers substantial intellectual freedom to develop independent research directions and gain specialized technical expertise. The appointee will work closely with Dr. Jianbin Ruan and collaborative teams in a well-resourced academic environment.

PostdoctoralStructural BiologyImmunologyCryo-EMProtein BiochemistryUConn Health

What you'll do

Conduct independent and collaborative research investigating innate immune signaling and programmed cell death mechanisms
Design and execute biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based experiments alongside structural studies
Perform recombinant protein expression, purification, and biochemical reconstitution
Utilize cryo-electron microscopy or X-ray crystallography to determine macromolecular structures
Analyze and interpret experimental datasets to elucidate molecular mechanisms
Draft scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences
Contribute to grant proposals and fellowship applications to support career development

Requirements

Degree required: PhD or equivalent degree in biochemistry, immunology, structural biology, biophysics, microbiology, or a related field

Language: English; professional proficiency

Instruction: English

Publications: Publication record commensurate with career stage

Required skills

Demonstrated research background in biochemistry, immunology, structural biology, or a related scientific discipline
Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification
Proficiency in protein biochemistry and biochemical reconstitution
Strong foundation in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific writing
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary laboratory environment

Nice to have

Prior experience with cryo-EM or X-ray crystallographyFamiliarity with protein-lipid and membrane biochemistryExperience in biophysical characterization of protein complexesBackground in innate immunity, programmed cell death, or host-pathogen interactions

Eligibility

Applicants must hold or be close to completing a PhD or equivalent degree

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

Competitive

Duration

Permanent

Programme

NIH / UConn Health

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-10-24

Interested candidates should email their complete application materials directly to Dr. Jianbin Ruan at the provided email address. Informal inquiries are also welcomed prior to formal submission.

Documents required