Postdoctoral Electron Microscope Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Postdoctoral Associate in Viral Biochemistry
Department
Quantitative Biomedicine Inst
Salary Details
63,968-75,564
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Posting Summary
The Kaelber lab is recruiting a scientist to understand the fundamental principles of viral genome packaging. The postdoctoral associate will understand DNA packaging in adeno-associated virus and AAV gene therapy vectors using techniques of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS), biochemistry, mutational analysis, cell culture, activity assays, et cetera. This position will involve significant collaborations with scientists in academia and industry. Training will be provided in cutting-edge structural technologies. Mentorship of 1-2 undergraduate students will be encouraged. BSL-2 pathogens will be utilized. The successful applicant will be able to synthesize experimental data into conceptual models.
The Kaelber lab is located in the Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, home to several experts in cryoEM and in molecular dynamics. The building is shared with the RCSB Protein Data Bank(PDB). Prof. Kaelber also directs the Rutgers New Jersey Cryo-electron Microscopy & Tomography Core Facility, which contains four electron microscopes including North America's first "Aquilos 2"-model cryogenic focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope as well as a Krios cryoTEM.
Position Status
Full Time
Posting Number
26FA0207
Posting Open Date
03/09/2026
Posting Close Date
06/15/2026
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Terminal degree in life sciences or chemical sciences. Exceptional candidates with 5+ years' relevant research experience may also be considered at the Research Assistant level.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
At least two of the following are required:
• Excellence in classical and molecular virology, including skills in the propagation of viruses
• Excellence in structural biology, including skills in neutron or X-ray scattering
• Excellence in biochemistry
• Proven track record of the construction of quantitative physical models
Additionally required skills are:
• Commitment to ethical conduct of research
• Self-motivation and independence
• Good documentation habits
• Proficiency with Unix command line
• A track record of productive, "wet-lab" results
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Cryo-transmission electron microscope; cryo-focused ion beam; fluorescence microscope; biosafety cabinet; ultracentrifuge; plate reader; vitrification robot
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Experiments require fine manual dexterity for manipulation of small objects under cryogenic conditions, and the ability to safely manipulate specimens in a biosafety cabinet. Travel is required (for instance for synchrotron visits). Occasional night/weekend work is required.
Overview
Statement
Posting Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should provide a cover letter relating their research and career interests to this position, a full curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/270414
Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus
Busch (RU-New Brunswick)
City
Piscataway
State
NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement