Postdoctoral Associate

Sanford Burnham Prebys

. Join the Feng Laboratory at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $70,304 - $77,334 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cryo-electron microscopy and protein analysis, with a strong ability to design experiments, interpret complex data, and communicate findings effectively. Proven track record in mentoring and collaborating within a research environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cryo-Electron MicroscopyProtein ExpressionData AnalysisResearch AchievementsMentorship

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cryo-EM ImagingData ProcessingProtein PurificationElectrophysiological RecordingComputational Biology

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsStrong Organizational SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsAttention to DetailInterpersonal Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

PhD in BiochemistryPhD in BiophysicsPhD in Structural BiologyPhD in Neuroscience

Industry Keywords

Membrane ProteinsProtein ComplexesStructure-Function RelationshipsResearch ReportsLaboratory Collaboration

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Electron

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Join the Feng Laboratory at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
Use cryo-electron microscopy to determine high-resolution structures of membrane proteins and protein complexes
Apply biochemical and biophysical approaches to investigate protein function and elucidate structure–function relationships
Generate hypotheses and design experiments
Interpret data, troubleshoot, and optimize experiments
Analyze data from different sources and draw relevant conclusions
Present results at internal and external meetings
Accurately document experiments
Contribute to writing reports and manuscripts with increasing responsibility
Collaborate across lab functions
Train junior lab staff as needed
Provide mentorship to interns and lab members
Work on structural and functional mechanisms of disease-related membrane proteins and endogenous ion channels

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, neuroscience or a related field
Experience in cryo-EM imaging and data processing is required
Experience in protein expression, protein purification, electrophysiological recording or computational biology is advantageous
Strong track record of research achievements
Excellent communication skills
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Excellent data presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
Strong attention to detail, analytical, time management, and interpersonal skills
Ability to learn to advance projects
Ability to analyze and interpret data from different sources and draw relevant conclusions
Ability to present results at internal and external meetings
Ability to accurately document experiments
Ability to work collaboratively across lab functions and train junior lab staff as needed
Ability to provide mentorship to interns and lab members of various skill levels
Three letters of recommendation from mentors, supervisors, collaborators, or other professional colleagues familiar with the applicant’s research qualifications and potential
Candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Diego
Out-of-state applicants must disclose willingness to relocate

Benefits

Comp & perks

Fully funded position
Extensive opportunities for professional development
Interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific growth
Access to state-of-the-art core facilities on campus, including cryo-EM instrumentation, biophysics facilities, protein expression and purification resources, and other advanced research infrastructure
Opportunity to pursue sustained, high-impact research
Opportunity to develop expertise in structural and functional biology
Opportunity to generate strong publications
Reasonable accommodations for the hiring process