Postdoctoral Researchers — Zhou Lab

Protein Biochemistry and IDR Structural Biology

POSITION SUMMARY
The Zhou Lab at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers to join a multidisciplinary research program focused on the structural and functional biology of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs).

Successful candidates will contribute to a collaborative research program aimed at understanding how sequence, mutation, post-translational modification, binding partners, and environmental conditions reshape IDR conformational ensembles. The project integrates protein biochemistry with emerging structural and biophysical technologies, computational modeling, and large-scale interactome measurements.

Postdoctoral Researchers will work closely with Research Associates, computational scientists, and external collaborators to generate and characterize IDR proteins for structural and interaction measurements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and optimize purification and sample-preparation workflows suitable for IDR-containing proteins for measurements including single-molecule profiling, HDX-MS, mass spectrometry, and other structural/biophysical assays.
• Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization of purified proteins and assess sample quality, stability, oligomeric state, and conformational behavior.
• Develop and perform in vitro assays examining IDR interactions, condensation, aggregation, and responses to candidate binders or small molecules.
• Work with computational team members to interpret experimental results in the context of predicted conformational ensembles.
• Maintain rigorous experimental records and contribute to milestone reports, manuscripts, presentations, and publications.
• Help mentor research associates and junior laboratory members involved in the project.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, chemical biology, biophysics, protein science, or a related discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot experimental workflows.
• Strong quantitative and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience purifying and handling intrinsically disordered proteins or IDR-containing proteins is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with aggregation-prone, phase-separating, or structurally heterogeneous proteins.
• Experience with protein interaction assays, protein aggregation/condensation assays, SEC, chromatography, native PAGE, DLS, mass spectrometry sample preparation, or related biophysical approaches.
• Familiarity with some of the structural methods such as mass spectrometry, metabolomics, HDX-MS, cryo-EM, NMR, single-molecule measurements, or molecular-dynamics-informed experimental design. 

This position is particularly well suited for a scientist interested in working at the interface of protein biochemistry, structural biology, proteomics/metabolomics, and computational modeling.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $73,760 - $81,440 annual salary depending on skills and experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401(k) employer contribution, and a student debt repayment option.