The Zhu Laboratory in the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University invites applications for postdoctoral fellows. Their laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, with a focus on how host cells deploy antimicrobial defense machinery against invasive bacterial and parasitic pathogens. Building on the PI's extensive expertise in cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and innate immunity, the laboratory employs an integrated suite of advanced imaging technologies, including cryo-ET, cryo-FIB/SEM, and cryo-CLEM to determine high-resolution in situ structures of host defense machineries and pathogen virulence factors in their native cellular environment. Their research program is supported by sustained long-term NIH funding and benefits from state-of-the-art instrumentation that the Zhu Lab has established on-site at CWRU. For further details on our research and ongoing projects, please visit the Lab website: Cryo-ET@Cleveland and Google Scholar: Shiwei ZHU
Available Postdoctoral Positions
They seek highly motivated candidates with a PhD in structural biology, biophysics, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related discipline to conduct research in cryo-ET and in situ structural biology, with a primary focus on three-dimensional structural determination of intracellular immune proteins and pathogen virulence factors. Research activities will encompass cryo-FIB sample preparation, cryo-CLEM, and subtomogram averaging (STA). The PI has extensive hands-on experience in cryo-FIB and cryo-ET and will provide systematic technical mentorship; representative publications include a 2021 study in Nature reporting the first in vivo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) structure determined by cryo-ET (PMCID: PMC8478157), and a 2024 study in Science reporting the native structure of immune proteins recognizing bacteria (PMCID: PMC12091997). Prior experience in cryo-EM/ET or cell biology is not required; enthusiasm for mechanistic structural biology and a strong commitment to scientific rigor are essential.
What they Offer
• A supportive, collaborative environment with a strong commitment to mentorship and career development
• Access to world-class cryo-EM/ET infrastructure at CWRU
• Training across an integrated suite of cutting-edge structural and cell biology techniques
• Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with NIH guidelines
How to Apply
Please send a single PDF containing (1) a cover letter describing your research background and career goals; (2) a current CV; and (3) contact information for two references to shiwei.zhu@case.edu Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled.
They are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive laboratory and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
