Job Description

Classification Title:

Postdoctoral Associate

Classification Minimum Requirements:

The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Job Description:

The Nemudryi Lab is recruiting postdoctoral researchers for two research projects:

Project 1: Molecular Mechanisms of Phage Defense

Bacteriophages impose intense selective pressure on bacteria, driving the evolution of diverse immune systems. Our recent work demonstrated that homologs of human antiviral Schlafen tRNases function as anti-phage defense proteins in bacteria (Perez Taboada et al., Nature Microbiology 2026). We are now investigating how these systems detect viral infection and activate nuclease effectors.

Current directions include:

• Structural and biochemical analysis of viral trigger recognition
• Mechanisms of immune activation
• Reconstitution of immune complexes in vitro
• Computational prediction of novel defense systems

We welcome applicants with backgrounds in structural biology, computational biology, protein biochemistry, enzymology, microbiology, or related fields.

Project 2: RNA Repair and Programmable RNA Editing

How cells respond to RNA damage remains poorly understood. While RNA is often assumed to be degraded upon damage, our recent work demonstrated that human cells can repair RNA breaks generated by CRISPR ribonucleases and that this pathway can be harnessed for programmable RNA deletions (Nemudraia, Nemudryi & Wiedenheft, Science, 2024). Ongoing work aims to define the molecular mechanisms of RNA repair and develop new RNA editing approaches.

Current directions include:

• Biochemical characterization of RNA ligases and repair enzymes
• Transcriptome-wide analysis of RNA repair
• Development of CRISPR-based RNA-targeting tools

Applicants with expertise in RNA biology, CRISPR systems, or transcriptomics are encouraged to apply.

Lab Environment: The lab combines genetic, biochemical, molecular, and computational approaches. We value mechanistic rigor, scientific curiosity, independence, and collaborative science. Postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to develop projects that position themselves for independent careers.

Expected Salary:

$60,000 - $65,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, structural biology, genetics, or related.

Preferred:

• Strong computational and analytical skills; experience with Python or R is a plus
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, please submit the following:

• Cover letter summarizing research experience and interests (indicating project preference)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Contact information for three professional references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:
No