Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Membrane Protein Structural Biology Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee Job Description: Summary of

Duties

and

Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to a research program focused on the structural and functional characterization of membrane proteins using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemical, and biophysical approaches. The successful candidate will lead studies of multidrug transporters, including recombinant protein expression and purification, in vitro biochemical and biophysical analyses, and single-particle cryo-EM structure determination. Additional responsibilities include supporting research on other membrane protein targets, analyzing and interpreting experimental data, preparing manuscripts and presentations for publication and scientific conferences, and assisting with laboratory operations in a collaborative research environment. The position provides opportunities to work with state-of-the-art cryo-EM technologies and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries in membrane protein biology. Required Minimum

Qualifications

Ph. D. in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or related field by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience

in recombinant protein expression in mammalian and insect cell culture, including transient transfection and baculovirus generation in Sf9 cells Demonstrated technical proficiency in the expression, detergent solubilization, and purification of eukaryotic membrane proteins

Experience

in structural biology techniques (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography), including sample preparation, data collection, data processing, model building, and refinement

Experience

with in vitro biochemical and biophysical assays Record of scientific productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences Department/Program & College Description: The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of life. Our department features research programs in a broad range of disciplines. Specifically, we have strengths in structural biology and biophysics, plant biochemistry, molecular signaling, nucleic acid biochemistry, and microbial biochemistry. Department Unit/Website: Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: Resume/Curriculum Vitae Letter of Application/Cover Letter Why Choose Iowa State University? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as: Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) Life insurance and long-term disability Flexible Spending Accounts Various voluntary benefits and discounts Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing program Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Proposed Start Date: January 1, 2027 Number of Months Employed Per Year: Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: Post Docs Original Posting Date: August 14, 2026 Posting Close Date: August 21, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R19781 Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.