Postdoctoral Fellow

Job Posting Title:
Postdoctoral Fellow

Hiring Department:
Molecular Biosciences

Position Open To:
All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Earliest Start Date:
Immediately

Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Apr 20, 2026

Location:
AUSTIN, TX

Job Details:
General Notes
PhD must have been received within the past 3 years. This is a temporary training position that can be renewed annually, for a maximum of five years, based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding.
Purpose
To work within the Laboratory of Dr. Zunlong Ke at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, the University of Texas at Austin. This Postdoctoral Fellow position is funded by Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and The Welch Foundation. The aim for this position is to investigate cancer-causing viruses and their interactions with hosts using a spectrum of structural biology techniques. We will take advantage of the state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), cryo-correlative microscopy (cryo-CLEM), cryo-FIB milling, coupled with functional assays to dissect the molecular mechanisms of cancer-causing viruses.
Responsibilities

To undertake research aimed at applying cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, cryo-correlative microscopy, and cryo-FIB milling to study molecular architecture of cancer-causing viruses and their interactions with hosts.
To identify, develop, and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objective.
To draft scientific papers and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication and grant application.
To present scientific progress within the group and at external conferences.
To assist in the training of PhD students and other lab members and to contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field.
To contribute to the Department’s and University’s mission in the public engagement of science, and the translation of research findings into improvements in human health.

Required Qualifications
PhD must have been received within the past 3 years. This is a temporary training position that can be renewed annually, for a maximum of five years, based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding. PhD students are encouraged to apply with related field, relevant experience, for similar arrangements. A strong background and track-record in molecular biology, structural biology, and infectious diseases. Capacity to plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your supervisor. Ability to identify, develop, and apply the relevant techniques to achieve the goals of the projects. Basic knowledge in coding language, including but not limited to, basics of Linux, MATLAB, Python. Ability to carry out both wet-lab work for sample preparation and dry-lab work for image analysis. Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Salary
$58,744 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions

Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
May work around chemical fumes.
May work around standard office conditions.
May work around biohazards.
May work around chemicals.

Required Materials

Resume/CV
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.