Postdoctoral Fellow Position | Neal Lab - UC San Diego | HHMI

Institution: University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) Laboratory: Neal Lab Affiliation: Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Research Area: Membrane Protein Quality Control | Structural Biology | Biophysics | Cell Biology | Protein Folding | Imaging | Mammalian Cell Biology The Neal Lab at UC San Diego , led by an HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar , is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow to lead exciting structural and biophysical studies investigating how misfolded membrane proteins are detected and cleared by the cell’s quality control machinery. The position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, and imaging , while contributing to an active and collaborative research program focused on understanding membrane protein quality control. What You'll Work On Membrane Protein Quality Control Investigate how cells identify and eliminate misfolded membrane proteins and understand the molecular mechanisms underlying membrane protein quality control. Structural & Biophysical Studies Apply structural and biophysical approaches to understand membrane protein structure, folding, quality control, and cellular processing . Cell-Based Research Combine molecular and structural approaches with cell-based assays to connect molecular mechanisms with cellular outcomes. Imaging & Quantitative Analysis Use imaging approaches to investigate membrane protein behavior and connect structural observations with cellular phenotypes. Molecular Mechanisms Study how the cellular quality control machinery detects and responds to improperly folded membrane proteins. The appointed Postdoctoral Fellow will be responsible for: Leading independent research projects focused on membrane protein quality control . Investigating how misfolded membrane proteins are detected and cleared by cells. Applying structural and biophysical approaches to study membrane proteins. Designing and conducting rigorous experiments. Combining structural approaches with cell-based and imaging assays . Connecting molecular mechanisms to cellular outcomes. Performing protein expression, purification, and characterization where appropriate. Applying membrane protein reconstitution approaches where required. Collaborating with researchers across the UC San Diego research community and beyond. Analyzing and interpreting experimental data. Preparing manuscripts and research presentations. Presenting findings at scientific conferences. Mentoring students and junior researchers. Contributing to the scientific direction of an active and growing research program. Participating in a collaborative and supportive laboratory environment. The position centers on understanding the mechanisms governing membrane protein quality control and how cells maintain protein homeostasis. The major areas of work include: Membrane protein quality control Protein folding and misfolding Structural biology Biophysics Structural/biophysical characterization Cell biology Mammalian cell culture Imaging Cell-based assays Molecular mechanisms of protein quality control The research program combines structural, biophysical, cellular, and imaging approaches to understand how molecular events in membrane protein quality control translate into cellular outcomes. Applicants should have: A recent PhD or expected PhD completion shortly in: Biochemistry Biophysics Structural Biology Cell Biology Or a related field A strong record of independent and rigorous research . Strong scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research. Excellent experimental and analytical skills. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team. Strongly Preferred Experience Hands-on experience with membrane proteins, particularly in areas such as: Structural characterization Biophysical characterization Experience with: Imaging Mammalian tissue culture Cell-based assays Structural biology techniques Biophysical approaches The lab emphasizes not only previous technical experience but also collaboration, curiosity, scientific rigor, and a genuine interest in understanding biological mechanisms . What We Offer The Postdoctoral Fellow will be appointed through UC San Diego at a competitive salary aligned with HHMI's postdoctoral pay standards . Full UC Benefits Comprehensive health coverage and retirement benefits are provided through the University of California system. Extended Research Network The HHMI affiliation provides access to a broad network of structural biology and cell biology collaborators. The Neal Lab emphasizes a supportive, close-knit, and collaborative environment that values both scientific excellence and the growth of its researchers. What You'll Gain Advanced experience in membrane protein quality control research . Hands-on exposure to structural and biophysical approaches. Experience studying membrane protein folding and quality control mechanisms. Opportunity to combine molecular research with cell-based and imaging approaches . Experience working with membrane protein expression, purification, and reconstitution. Opportunity to collaborate across the UC San Diego research community . Access to an extended network of structural and cell biology collaborators. Opportunities to present research at scientific conferences. Experience mentoring students and contributing to research direction. Opportunities to publish research in high-quality scientific journals. A supportive, #J-18808-Ljbffr Biopractify