Skip to Content

Structural Biology and Biophysics

National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area

Position Description:

The Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics (https://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/researchstaff/labs/porter/index.html) at the National Library of Medicine, located on the main National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus in Bethesda, Maryland, is opening a postdoctoral position in the areas of structural biology and biophysics.

This position would involve biophysical and structural characterization of fold-switching proteins, which remodel their secondary structures and change their functions in response to cellular stimuli (https://www.pnas.org/content/115/23/5968.short). Depending on the candidate’s background and interests, several projects are possible. Specific projects would involve either characterizing the energetics of fold switching, probing the dynamics of fold-switch transitions, or designing and screening mutational pathways that link proteins with different folds.

Qualifications:

The applicant should be a creative, motivated individual interested in challenging experimental projects whose results will lay the foundation of an up-and-coming area of protein research.

Applicants who meet the following requirements will be considered for the position:
  • Ph.D. in molecular biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field. Applicants close to finishing their PhD in these areas will also be considered.
  • Strong proficiency in protein expression and purification
  • Proficiency in molecular cloning
  • In-depth understanding of protein structure and protein biochemistry
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
Prior experience in at least one of the following areas is required:
  • NMR spectroscopy
  • X-ray crystallography

Familiarity with techniques such as Circular Dichroism and Mass Spectrometry and/or knowledge of LINUX and python are favorable, but not required.

Salary will depend on qualifications and be determined based on the current NIH pay scale.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit their curriculum vitae (CV), a statement of research interests, and contact information for three references via email to Lauren Porter, PhD at porterll@nih.gov.

Posted Until: September 6, 2022

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.