Postdoctoral Research Associate -Structural Biology – Mittag Lab

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the lab of Tanja Mittag.

Project Description:

The Mittag lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on structures of the tumor suppressor and ubiquitin ligase component SPOP. We have recently solved the first cryo-EM structures of full-length SPOP (Cuneo et al. Mol Cell 2023), and they have revealed interfaces that had not recently been observed in structures of smaller constructs. Importantly, these interfaces are lined with cancer mutations whose molecular mechanisms were not previously understood, but now provide molecular explanations for pathophysiological mechanisms. We have also revealed that certain mutations lead to large changes in quaternary assembly. The project provides opportunities for characterizing structures of SPOP complexes with additional ligase subunits and of disease mutants with altered structures. The implications of these structural changes will be characterized via in vitro biochemical and in cell functional assays.

 

Position Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will help shape the direction of the research and use will use cryo-EM and in vitro biophysical and biochemical studies to characterize SPOP structure and function. The candidate will interface with trainees and staff scientists in the Mittag lab and with collaborators in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that will support their career development. 

 

Minimum Education and/or Training:

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in in vitro structural biology, protein biochemistry or biophysics. The candidate should demonstrate an academic record of excellence, and a strong interest in the growing field of biomolecular condensates. Experience with cryo-EM would be highly valuable to capitalize on the opportunities in this project.

 

About the lab and St. Jude:

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative laboratory focused on elucidating mechanisms and function of biomolecular condensates and ubiquitin ligase function in the Department of Structural Biology, with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and expertise in cryo-EM, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, single molecule techniques, protein technology, and microscopy. 

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-class research institution dedicated to pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases of childhood. The first and only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Our 300 faculty work across the spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, and population science in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment that includes a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Medicine. St. Jude is ranked on Fortune Magazine’s “Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma” and Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work,” and is located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a vibrant and friendly city at the historic American crossroads of music, trade, food and culture.

We are in pursuit of the brightest minds in biomedical sciences, individuals poised to contribute to our research progress. Other than access to top-quality scientists and mentors, as a postdoctoral trainee at St. Jude, you will have:

• A Blend of Academic Freedom and Industrial Efficiency: Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists, coupled with cutting-edge technology, accelerates research productivity.

• Customized Professional and Career Growth: Experience specifically designed programs to enhance professional growth and career readiness empowering postdocs for success beyond their training. This includes access to grant writing workshops, individual development plans, teaching and mentoring opportunities, non-research career advancement programs, professional development allowance, and so much more.

• Competitive Compensation: Embark on your journey with a competitive salary starting at $70,000 a year, comprehensive benefits and generous relocation assistance, reflecting our commitment to recognize and invest in talent.

• A Sense of Community: St. Jude fosters a vibrant postdoc community that supports a well-balanced life. A dynamic environment promotes connections and camaraderie among postdocs from all backgrounds.

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world—regardless of race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital’s roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

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