Postdoctoral Associate in Biology

Department: Chemistry and Chemical Biology, School of Arts and Sciences
Institution: Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Location: Piscataway, New Jersey
Salary: $63,968 per year
Position Type: Full-time
Posting Number: 25FA0822
Application Link: https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/258942

Position Summary

The Shi Lab at Rutgers University in New Brunswick is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to conduct cutting-edge research in the fields of biophysical chemistry and cell biology.

We are currently offering two exciting research directions:

1. Investigating the material properties of biomolecular condensates in mammalian cells.

2. Studying the activation and subcellular distribution of mechanosensitive membrane proteins.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team housed in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced optical and biophysical instrumentation.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, biophysics, cell biology, or a related discipline.

Required Skills:

• Strong training in experimental biophysics or biochemistry.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Experience:

• Background in membrane biophysics, biomolecular condensates, neuroscience, and/or mechanobiology.

Equipment Utilized:

• Micropipette manipulation and patch-clamp systems

• Optical tweezers

• Fluorescence microscopy

• Cell culture techniques

• Atomic force microscopy (AFM)

• Electron microscopy (EM)

Research Environment

The Shi Lab integrates biophysical, chemical, and optical approaches to study biomolecular assemblies at the subcellular level. Current research focuses on:

• Mechanical signaling pathways at the plasma membrane

• Material properties of membraneless condensates in the cytoplasm

Our work aims to uncover the physical chemistry underlying cell biology and provide insights into disease mechanisms, including neurodegeneration and cancer.

Recent Publications

• Wang H. et al. (2025). Live-Cell Quantification Reveals Viscoelastic Regulation of Synapsin Condensates by α-Synuclein. Science Advances, 11(16), eads7627.

• Cheng H.H. et al. (2025). Micropipette aspiration reveals differential RNA-dependent viscoelasticity of nucleolar subcompartments. PNAS, 122(22), e2407423122.

• Zhu Y. et al. (2025). NINJ1 regulates plasma membrane fragility under mechanical tension. Nature, 644, 1088–1096.

• Yang S. et al. (2022). Membrane curvature governs the distribution of Piezo1 in live cells. Nature Communications, 13, 7467.

• Shi Z. et al. (2018). Cell membranes resist flow. Cell, 175(7), 1769–1779.

For more details, visit the Shi Lab website: https://sites.rutgers.edu/shi-lab/

Compensation and Benefits

Annual Salary: $63,968
Final salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and available funding.

Rutgers Benefits Include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage

• Paid vacation, holidays, and leave programs

• Competitive retirement plans and voluntary savings options

• Educational benefits for employees and dependents

• Life insurance and employee discount programs

More information: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Rutgers University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibit discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.
See our full Non-Discrimination Statement: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

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