[3dem] Postdoctoral Positions in In Situ Structural Biology of Host-Pathogen interaction

[Shiwei Zhu]

Dear all,

The Zhu Laboratory in the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University invites applications for postdoctoral fellows. Our laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, with a focus on how host cells deploy antimicrobial defense machinery against invasive bacterial and parasitic pathogens. Building on the PI's extensive expertise in cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and innate immunity, the laboratory employs an integrated suite of advanced imaging technologies, including cryo-ET, cryo-FIB/SEM, and cryo-CLEM to determine high-resolution in situ structures of host defense machineries and pathogen virulence factors in their native cellular environment. Our research program is supported by sustained NIH funding and benefits from state-of-the-art instrumentation that the Zhu Lab has recently established on-site at CWRU. For further details on our research and ongoing projects, please visit the 🌐Lab website: Cryo-ET at Cleveland<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.shiweizhulab.org/__;!!Mih3wA!GY8sWZ8nDeAyFbKdrHhI0U2J8fuTF5fAS3DgPs5ZKJriSqyxoz3foB02dYZCdQ_jmd8LbXtpCdiRTOrcZg$ > and🔬 Google Scholar: Shiwei ZHU<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=97j02j8AAAAJ&hl=en__;!!Mih3wA!GY8sWZ8nDeAyFbKdrHhI0U2J8fuTF5fAS3DgPs5ZKJriSqyxoz3foB02dYZCdQ_jmd8LbXtpCdguSV6aDQ$ >

Available Postdoctoral Positions

We seek highly motivated candidates with a PhD in structural biology, biophysics, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related discipline to conduct research in cryo-ET and in situ structural biology, with a primary focus on three-dimensional structural determination of intracellular immune proteins and pathogen virulence factors. Research activities will encompass cryo-FIB sample preparation, cryo-CLEM, and sub tomogram averaging (STA). The PI has extensive hands-on experience in cryo-FIB and cryo-ET and will provide systematic technical mentorship; representative publications include a 2021 study in Nature reporting the first in vivo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) structure determined by cryo-ET (PMCID: PMC8478157), and a 2024 study in Science reporting the native structure of immune proteins recognizing bacteria (PMCID: PMC12091997). Prior experience in cryo-EM/ET or cell biology is not required; enthusiasm for mechanistic structural biology and a strong commitment to scientific rigor are essential.

What We Offer

  *   A supportive, collaborative environment with a strong commitment to mentorship and career development
  *   Access to world-class cryo-EM/ET infrastructure at CWRU
  *   Training across an integrated suite of cutting-edge structural and cell biology techniques
  *   Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with NIH guidelines

How to Apply

Please send a single PDF containing (1) a cover letter describing your research background and career goals; (2) a current CV; and (3) contact information for two references to shiwei.zhu at case.edu<mailto:shiwei.zhu at case.edu>. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive laboratory and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Kind regards,
Shiwei Zhu

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