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Postdoctoral Fellow in Structural and Molecular Biology

Lead structural and functional studies of transcription enzymes using cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography at USC.

Best for:Best for molecular biologists and structural biologists with strong experience in cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography.

University of Southern California · Los Angeles, United States · R2 · Recognised researcher
More professors at University of Southern California
Structural BiologyMolecular BiologyCryo-EMX-ray CrystallographyEnzyme Mechanisms
This is a postdoc position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
Dec 3, 2026
46 days
Funding
Salaried
Multi-year funding with a salary based on the NIH postdoctoral stipend scale and full fringe benefits
Start date
flexible
Full-time
Location
Los Angeles
United States

Overview

The laboratory of Dr. Xiaojiang Chen at the University of Southern California is seeking a fully funded Postdoctoral Research Associate to join their team in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. The researcher will conduct structural and functional investigations of enzymes involved in DNA and RNA transcription related to cancer and infectious diseases. This role provides access to advanced cryo-EM and X-ray facilities, alongside opportunities for close collaboration with chemical biologists. The successful candidate is expected to independently lead experimental studies and contribute to uncovering critical functional mechanisms.

PostdoctoralStructural BiologyCryo-EMX-ray CrystallographyMolecular BiologyDNA/RNA TranscriptionCancer Research

What you'll do

  • Lead structural and functional studies focusing on enzymes involved in DNA and RNA transcription related to cancer and infectious diseases.
  • Utilize advanced techniques such as cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
  • Collaborate closely with chemical biologists to elucidate functional mechanisms of target enzymes.
  • Manage laboratory experiments and document research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Utilize state-of-the-art core facilities for imaging and structural determination.

Requirements

Degree required: PhD in Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field

Language: English; professional proficiency

Instruction: English

Publications: Relevant peer-reviewed publication record appropriate for a postdoctoral candidate

Required skills
  • Demonstrated research experience in structural biology or molecular biology
  • Hands-on expertise in cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography
  • Strong background in biochemical assay design and protein characterization
  • Track record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals
Nice to have
Experience studying DNA/RNA processing enzymesPrior collaborative research experience with chemical biologistsFamiliarity with advanced computational modeling of protein structures
Eligibility
  • Hold a completed PhD degree

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
Multi-year funding with a salary based on the NIH postdoctoral stipend scale and full fringe benefits
Duration
Fixed term, multi-year
Programme
NIH
NIH

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-12-03

Interested applicants should submit their application materials through the designated careers portal or reach out according to the laboratory instructions provided on the official website.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Cover letter
↗Apply on site

Contact

XC
Prof.
Xiaojiang Chen
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
Lab
Xiaojiang Chen Lab
University of Southern California
United States
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