We seek an ambitious postdoctoral scholar that will use cryo-electron microscopy and tomography (cryo-EM/cryo-ET) to analyze chromatin structures within both cells and condensed chromatin assemblies produced in vitro. Candidates will benefit from two world-class training environments and learn modern concepts and techniques in both chromatin biochemistry and biophysics as well as structural analyses using cryogenic electron microscopy. We are seeking a dedicated scientist with a track record of success and a thoughtful and collaborative mindset to drive high-impact projects at the interface of chromatin biology, condensate biophysics, and genome structure.
Dual-Mentorship Training Environment
This position is co-mentored, with the fellow holding a home in both laboratories and full membership in both groups, including joint lab meetings, shared project planning, and co-authored publications.
The Gibson laboratory (Department of Cell & Molecular Biology) studies how phase transitions guide higher-order genome structure and impact human disease, combining chromatin biochemistry, quantitative condensate biophysics, cellular engineering, genomics, and advanced microscopy. The fellow will gain hands-on expertise in nucleosome array reconstitution, chromatin condensate formation and characterization, and the thermodynamic frameworks that connect sequence-level molecular grammar to genome-scale organization.
The Skiniotis laboratory (Department of Structural Biology) is internationally recognized for cryo-EM studies of macromolecular signaling complexes, and Dr. Skiniotis serves as founding director of the St. Jude Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology (COE-SCB), which advances multiscale imaging technologies for cells and tissues. The fellow will receive rigorous training in single-particle cryo-EM and in situ cryo-ET, from sample vitrification through high-resolution reconstruction and subtomogram averaging.
Very few training environments in the world offer this combination: deep expertise in chromatin and condensate biochemistry alongside frontier structural cell biology, on a single campus, with dedicated institutional support. A fellow who completes this training will emerge with an exceptionally rare and sought-after skill set spanning reconstitution biochemistry, condensate biophysics, and cellular structural biology, positioning them to launch an independent program at the leading edge of genome organization research.