Blake Wiedenheft

Montana State University is advertising a Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Wiedenheft Lab, focused on structural biology , cryo-EM , and the molecular mechanisms of bacterial immune systems that defend against phage infection. The project centers on CRISPR-Cas complexes , Defense-associated Reverse Transcriptases (DRTs) , Retrons , and other newly discovered anti-phage defense systems. The successful candidate will use single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to determine high-resolution structures and connect structural findings with biochemical, genetic, and evolutionary analyses. The postdoc will have access to a 200 keV Thermo Fisher Talos Arctica in the Cryo-EM Facility, along with complementary biochemistry , molecular biology , and bioinformatics resources. Responsibilities include protein complex preparation and purification, cryo-EM data collection and processing, workflow optimization, collaboration with computational and molecular biology teams, manuscript preparation, and mentoring trainees. Eligibility highlights: a Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field; hands-on cryo-EM experience; strong protein expression/purification skills; productivity through publications or preprints; and strong communication and teamwork skills. Preferred experience includes Talos Arctica operation, membrane proteins, lipid nanodiscs, and evolutionary genomics of bacterial immune systems. Funding: salary is commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications, and the appointment is benefits eligible. The posting also notes that the position is not eligible for new sponsorship . Application window: screening begins on 2026-06-23 , and applications will be accepted until an adequate applicant pool is established.