Postdoctoral Research Associate – Gibson (Cell & Molecular Biology) and Skiniotis (Structural Biology) Laboratories at Stjude in Memphis, TN

Job description

The Gibson and Skiniotis research groups invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead a joint effort to uncover fundamental mechanisms of higher-order genome organization. We seek an ambitious postdoctoral scholar that will use cryo-electron microscopy and tomography (cryo-EM/cryo-ET) to analyze chromatin structures within both cells and condensed chromatin assemblies produced in vitro. Candidates will benefit from two world-class training environments and learn modern concepts and techniques in both chromatin biochemistry and biophysics as well as structural analyses using cryogenic electron microscopy. We are seeking a dedicated scientist with a track record of success and a thoughtful and collaborative mindset to drive high-impact projects at the interface of chromatin biology, condensate biophysics, and genome structure. Dual-Mentorship Training Environment This position is co-mentored, with the fellow holding a home in both laboratories and full membership in both groups, including joint lab meetings, shared project planning, and co-authored publications. The Gibson laboratory (Department of Cell & Molecular Biology) studies how phase transitions guide higher-order genome structure and impact human disease, combining chromatin biochemistry, quantitative condensate biophysics, cellular engineering, genomics, and advanced microscopy. The fellow will gain hands-on expertise in nucleosome array reconstitution, chromatin condensate formation and characterization, and the thermodynamic frameworks that connect sequence-level molecular grammar to genome-scale organization. The Skiniotis laboratory (Department of Structural Biology) is internationally recognized for cryo-EM studies of macromolecular signaling complexes, and Dr. Skiniotis serves as founding director of the St. Jude Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology (COE-SCB) , which advances multiscale imaging technologies for cells and tissues. The fellow will receive rigorous training in single-particle cryo-EM and in situ cryo-ET, from sample vitrification through high-resolution reconstruction and subtomogram averaging. Very few training environments in the world offer this combination: deep expertise in chromatin and condensate biochemistry alongside frontier structural cell biology, on a single campus, with dedicated institutional support. A fellow who completes this training will emerge with an exceptionally rare and sought-after skill set spanning reconstitution biochemistry, condensate biophysics, and cellular structural biology, positioning them to launch an independent program at the leading edge of genome organization research. The Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology (COE-SCB) The COE-SCB was established to move structural biology beyond the test tube and visualize macromolecular machines directly within their native cellular context. Working within the Center and the St. Jude Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Tomography Center, the fellow will have access to: Multiple high-end transmission electron microscopes, including a 300 keV Titan Krios G4 with cold field emission source (among the world's highest-resolution instruments) and Titan Krios and Talos Arctica platforms equipped with K3 direct electron detectors and BioQuantum energy filters, plus a Talos L120C for rapid screening A complete cryo-ET workflow for in situ structural biology, including cryo-focused ion beam (FIB) milling, correlative cryo-light/electron microscopy, and volume EM approaches under active expansion within the Center Full sample preparation infrastructure (Vitrobot Mark IV, Leica EM GP2, plasma cleaning, glow discharge) Dedicated GPU workstations and clusters with institutional data infrastructure for high-throughput image processing Embedded staff scientists who provide consultation, hands-on training, and mentorship in every step of the workflow, with instrument access and expenses covered institutionally so that science, not cost, sets the pace P