Postdoctoral Associate, Physiology and Biophysics

Postdoctoral Position Available Immediately Qin Laboratory for Dynamic Structural Biophysics Department of Physiology and Biophysics Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo

Our Vision: Observe Biology in Motion Biology happens in motion. Yet most structural and biophysical methods capture only static snapshots. Our laboratory seeks to understand dynamic molecular mechanisms underlying protein function. We integrate structural biology, electrophysiology, quantitative biophysics, and computational approaches to visualize transient molecular events and uncover the physical principles that govern protein function. Our philosophy is simple: When existing tools cannot answer important biological questions, we build new ones. This has led to innovations ranging from the QuB software suite for single-channel kinetic analysis, to submillisecond temperature-clamp electrophysiology, differential scanning calorimetry for thermal activation, and now time-resolved cryo-EM. Together, these approaches are establishing a new framework for dynamic structural biophysics.

Current Research Our current biological focus is thermoTRP ion channels – molecular sensors of temperature and pain. Beyond these fascinating proteins, our long-term goal is to develop broadly applicable approaches for studying protein dynamics across diverse biological systems. Current research includes:

• Decoding the mechanisms of temperature sensing by ion channels
• Developing and applying time-resolved cryo-EM to capture previously inaccessible conformational states
• Engineering ultrafast perturbation methods that trigger and trap dynamic protein motions in real time.
• Integrating structural, electrophysiological, thermodynamic, and computational approaches into quantitative models of protein dynamics

Faculty profile and publications here.

The Opportunity This position offers the opportunity to participate in an innovative, interdisciplinary research program at the interface of structural biology, electrophysiology, instrumentation, and quantitative biophysics. Working closely with Professor Qin and collaborators, the successful candidate will contribute to exciting biological discoveries while building a broad foundation in modern structural and biophysical research. The laboratory emphasizes close mentoring, creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development, providing an environment in which trainees progress from guided research to increasing scientific independence while developing their own scientific ideas, learning new techniques, and producing high-quality publications. We do not expect applicants to have expertise in every aspect of our research. Laboratory members come from diverse backgrounds, including electrophysiology, structural biology, protein biochemistry, computation, physics, and engineering. We build on each individual’s strengths while providing opportunities to broaden their expertise, learn new methodologies, and collaborate across disciplines in a supportive environment. Professor Qin has over 30 years of mentoring experience and is committed to helping trainees develop into independent scientists through personalized mentoring, scientific freedom, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to lead innovative research, publish impactful work, and prepare for independent research careers.

Qualifications Applicants should have, or be close to completing, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline. Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable, but not required:

• Electrophysiology
• Protein biochemistry
• Structural biology
• Cryo-EM
• Fluorescent microscopy

Most importantly, we seek motivated, creative, intellectually curious scientists who enjoy tackling important biological problems and are excited to learn new approaches beyond their original area of expertise.

Research Environment The laboratory provides a highly interdisciplinary environment integrating structural biology, electrophysiology, fluorescence microscopy, protein biochemistry, thermodynamics, instrumentation development, and quantitative modeling. Our long-standing collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory provides access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities and expertise.

Salary, Benefits, and Career Development This position is available immediately. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience following current NIH guidelines. Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit – all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. Visit our benefits website to learn about our benefit packages. Visa sponsorship is available for qualified international applicants.

About UB The University at Buffalo is SUNY’s most comprehensive public research university, and an outstanding place to work. UB amplifies ambition for faculty and staff by offering endless possibilities to achieve more. Here, people from all backgrounds and cultures challenge and inspire each other to discover, learn and succeed. Dedicated staff and engaged faculty collaborate to further knowledge and understanding, and develop tenacious graduates who are valued for their talents and their impact on global society. Visit our website to learn more about the University at Buffalo: https://www.buffalo.edu

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, the Research Foundation will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and veteran or disability status.

Minimum Qualifications Ph.D. in a relevant field (Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline)

Preferred Qualifications Experience in electrophysiology (patch-clamp), structural biology (single-particle cryo-EM), fluorescence microscopy, or other biophysical approaches for studying protein structure and function.

Our University Community

Physical Demands

Driving Requirements This position will never drive a university-owned vehicle.

Salary Range $49,000 – $70,000

Additional Salary Information The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.

Work Hours 40 hours per week

Campus South Campus

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Summary Is a background check required for this posting? No

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