Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Fellow (Cryo-EM / RNA Biology) | National Institutes of Health Our laboratory is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow with a primary focus on single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to define the structural and mechanistic basis of eukaryotic mRNA decay and its functional connections to translation and broader gene expression control, with an emphasis on enabling novel therapeutic strategies for cancer. A defining feature of this position is binder-enabled mechanistic cryo-EM, leveraging nanobodies isolated from immunized alpacas and computationally designed binders to stabilize complexes, trap specific conformational states, map functional epitopes, and interrogate (and ultimately target) disease-relevant protein–protein and protein–RNA interfaces. A panel of such tools is already available and characterized, with opportunities to expand and deploy this toolkit as part of the project. There will also be opportunities to use these tools to advance ex vivo structural biology with clinically derived samples, thereby bridging mechanistic discovery and translational application. Research focus

• Structural and biochemical mechanisms of CCR4–NOT regulation and partner interactions
• RNP remodeling and regulatory factors controlling mRNA decay
• Structure-guided development and application of nanobodies / designed binders / mini-proteins to modulate RNP machines

The successful candidate will drive cryo-EM projects end-to-end, from sample optimization and grid screening through data collection, high-resolution reconstruction, model building/validation, and structure-guided mechanistic testing, integrated with quantitative biochemical/biophysical and cell-based validation. Environment and resources

• Located on a green and spacious federal research campus in Frederick, MD
• Full access to on-campus high-quality cryo-EM workflows and instrumentation, including Titan Krios G4 and Talos Arctica, with dedicated support personnel
• Modern, centrally supported high-performance computing for cryo-EM processing
• Strong in-house capabilities in protein/RNP biochemistry, quantitative mechanistic assays, and cell-based assays to validate structure-derived hypotheses
• Exceptional opportunities to build cross-disciplinary networks by interfacing with clinicians and translational scientists to connect mechanistic discoveries to therapeutic development
• Part of the NCI RNA Biology Laboratory, an integrated, collegial unit comprising six research groups with close links to the structural biology center, chemical biology, and cancer labs 
• The Intramural Research Program comprises ~1,200 labs hosting ~4,000 postdocs
• The NIH is a federal agency and the world's largest funder of biomedical research

Required experience and qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or a related field
• Demonstrated proficiency in single-particle cryo-EM workflow
• Strong analytical rigor with data-quality metrics
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team

Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate:

• Experience with heterogeneous/flexible assemblies, RNPs, or multi-subunit complexes
• Experience with automated acquisition workflows (e.g., EPU) and screening on 300/200-keV microscopes
• Proficiency with CryoSPARC and/or RELION; familiarity with data processing workflows, classification strategies, reconstruction, and atomic modeling
• Expertise in recombinant protein production and quantitative biophysics (e.g., ITC, MST, SPR)

Training and career development NIH provides an outstanding environment for mentorship, collaboration, and professional development. The fellow will have opportunities to:

• Lead high-impact projects with clear, well-supported publication pathways
• Build a distinctive profile at the interface of cryo-EM, RNA regulation, and cancer translation
• Engage broadly across NIH through seminars, specialized training programs, and cross-disciplinary scientific communities
• Receive active guidance toward career advancement in academia or industry

Funding, compensation, and benefits The laboratory is supported by robust core funding; external support (e.g., individual fellowships) is encouraged and actively mentored but not required. NIH offers highly competitive postdoctoral compensation and a variety of benefits, including federal health insurance support for the fellow and their dependents. J-1 visa sponsorship support is available for most international applicants, and relocation assistance may be available (subject to eligibility and appointment mechanism). The position may be extended for up to 5 years. Location Frederick, Maryland, is an attractive and livable community with convenient access to Washington, DC, and Baltimore, and abundant outdoor recreation (including proximity to the Appalachian hiking trails and day-trip access to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastline). The surrounding Maryland–Northern Virginia area supports a large and vibrant life-sciences hub spanning major pharma/biologics organizations and a strong ecosystem of mid-size and venture-backed biotechs, providing a natural launchpad for translational collaborations and potential transitions into industry. How to applyPlease send (i) a CV, (ii) a brief statement of research interests and relevant cryo-EM experience, and (iii) contact information for 2–3 references to eugene.valkov@nih.gov NIH is an equal opportunity employer, and candidates will be evaluated on their skills, experience, and potential, with these factors interpreted in the context of their training environment. Additional informationhttps://ccr.cancer.gov/staff-directory/eugene-valkovhttps://www.training.nih.gov/research-training/pd/https://ccr.cancer.gov/center-for-structural-biology/cryo-em-facility/instrumentation