Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Biophysical Mechanisms of Molecular Resilience

Description

Position Overview

The Joshi Laboratory (Lab of Biomolecular Homeostasis and Resilience) at Georgetown University Medical Center is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to investigate the fundamental biophysical principles underlying stress-induced molecular remodeling and resilience. This position will focus on developing quantitative frameworks to understand how selective environmental stressors reshape the proteome and metabolome from a basic science perspective, primarily using C. elegans as a model organism complemented by in vitro biochemical systems. The insights gained from this well-controlled model will provide a foundation for understanding analogous processes in more complex human cellular systems.

 

The research aims to establish mechanistic understanding of molecular networks that maintain homeostasis under stress conditions. Through rigorous quantitative approaches combining protein biochemistry, reconstitution systems, advanced microscopy, and computational modeling, this work will uncover fundamental biological principles that govern proteostasis and metabolic adaptation across the lifespan.

Key Research Areas

• Elucidating biophysical principles of protein-metabolite interactions under identified stress conditions
• Developing mathematical frameworks to model proteostasis network dynamics
• Characterizing biomolecular condensate formation and regulation in stress response
• Reconstructing minimal systems to identify essential components of stress adaptation

Appointment Details

Duration: Initial 2-year appointment with possibility of extension 

Salary: Follows NIH Postdoctoral guidelines and comprehensive benefits

Start date: As soon as possible

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize protein purification protocols for key stress response factors
• Establish in vitro reconstitution systems to study protein-metabolite interactions
• Design and implement genetic tools in C. elegans for mechanistic studies
• Apply quantitative microscopy to characterize biomolecular dynamics and phase transitions
• Develop computational models to integrate molecular data into predictive frameworks
• Implement rigorously controlled assays for measuring fundamental biophysical and biochemical parameters

Research Environment

The postdoctoral fellow will work in a highly collaborative setting focused on basic biological discovery, with access to Georgetown's advanced research infrastructure. This includes in-lab protein biochemistry and purification facilities, biophysical characterization platforms, state-of-the-art microscopy resources, and computational tools for systems biology approaches. The position emphasizes rigorous mechanistic investigation using both in vivo (C. elegans) and in vitro (purified proteins, reconstituted systems) approaches. There will be opportunities for collaboration on developing predictive frameworks with biological data. The Joshi Lab provides comprehensive mentorship tailored to individual career goals, supporting development in fundamental and translational research methodology, quantitative skills, and scientific communication to prepare fellows for success in academic research or other career paths. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Computational Biology, Bioengineering, Systems Biology or related field
• Strong expertise in protein biochemistry and in vitro characterization methods
• Experience with quantitative microscopy and image analysis
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute mechanistic studies
• Proficiency in computational approaches for analyzing and modeling biological data
• Publication record demonstrating scientific rigor and creativity
• Excellent critical thinking and experimental design skills
• Strong work ethic and collaborative spirit

Technical Expertise

• Protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization
• In vitro reconstitution of multicomponent biological systems
• C. elegans molecular biology and genetics
• Quantitative imaging techniques (FRAP, FLIM, super-resolution)
• Analysis of protein folding, stability, and phase separation
• Programming