Post-doctoral fellow positions in the Waksman lab at CIMR

We are seeking postdoctoral fellows with expertise in live cell imaging by fluorescence microscopy OR with expertise in cryo-Electron Microcopy to study gene transport among bacterial population, a process termed “bacterial conjugation”. 

I-About CIMR

Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR), Beijing is a research institution committed to advancing basic and translational medical research. Founded in November 2023 as one of the three core pillars of the newly established Capital Medical University, CIMR focuses on addressing fundamental issues in human health by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and conducting interdisciplinary collaborations with world-class scientists and clinicians based in Beijing. CIMR also offers outstanding education and training programs for the next generation of medical scientists. Adhering to a science-oriented governance and operational framework to drive innovation in research and education, we are dedicated to helping Capital Medical University to become a world-class leading medical university.

II-About the Waksman Lab

Professor Waksman is a leading scientist in the field of Structural Microbiology. He is the recipient of many awards, and members of numerous National Academies including the prestigious Royal Society (the UK National Academy of Sciences) and the German National Academy of Sciences.  He investigates bacterial DNA injectosomes, seeking to understand how they work, and how they can be inhibited. These membrane-embedded systems have exceptional biomedical importance as they play crucial roles in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacterial pathogens.

More can be learned at https://people.ismb.lon.ac.uk/gabriel-waksman/homepage.htm. Notable publications include: 1- Williams et al., (2025). Nature comms. 16(1):4906. 2- K. Macé et al., (2022). Nature, 607, 191-196. 3- A. Ilangovan et al., (2017). Cell. 169, 708–721. 4- T. Costa et al., (2016). Cell. 166, 1436–1444.

We offer an international, creative, and inspiring environment. The successful candidates will benefit from our large network of collaborations and have immediate opportunities to contribute to international projects.

III-Job Opening

We are seeking:

1- Two Postdoctoral Fellow positions with specialism in cryo-Electron Microscopy and

2- Two Postdoctoral Fellow positions with specialism in Fluorescence Microscopy.

For the Postdoctoral Fellow positions with specialism in cryo-Electron Microscopy, applicants should have a PhD in Biophysics, X-ray Crystallography. Structural Biology, Biochemistry or related areas, and preferably (but not exclusively) extensive experience in cryo-Electron Microscopy data collection and processing. Excellent knowledge of molecular biology is essential. Working knowledge of the English language and willingness to improve language skills is essential.

For the Postdoctoral Fellow positions with specialism in Fluorescence Microscopy, applicants should have a PhD in Molecular and Cell MicroBiology or related areas, and preferably extensive experience in Fluorescence Microscopy data collection and processing as applies to live imaging of bacterial cells. Excellent knowledge of molecular biology is essential. Working knowledge of the English language and willingness to improve language skills is essential.

Main responsibilities

Research and Scholarship       

• To characterize structural and functional features of multicomponent complexes involved in DNA transfer by conjugative type IV secretion systems (T4SS). This will require the postdoctoral scholars to participate in designing and carrying out experiments aiming to determine and dissect the molecular mechanism of the transport machinery.

• For both experimental design and interpretation of results, extensive scientific interactions with the collaborating laboratories will be essential.

• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects and write up research for publication.

• To update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.

• To translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.

Teaching and Learning

• To contribute to the assessment of PhD student knowledge and supervision of their projects.

• To assist in the development of PhD student research skills and projects.

• To supervise PhD student work.

People Management and Teamwork

• To manage own research and administrative activities, with guidance if required.

• To work with colleagues on joint projects is essential.

• To collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest.

• To attend and contribute to relevant meetings.

• To assume organizational roles in lab management.

Problem Solving and Impact

• To use new research techniques and methods.

• To use own initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods, and extend the research portfolio.

• To use expertise to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.

• To contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in areas of research.

IV-Compensation and Benefits

Provide competitive salary based on the applicant’s work experience and ability (salary negotiable).

Provide social insurance and housing fund, supplementary medical insurance, physical examination and paid annual leave.

Support career development and provide relevant professional guidance.

V- How to apply

Please send (written in the English language): a resume, a brief summary of key accomplishments, the names and contacts of 3 referees and other materials demonstrating research capabilities to  gabriel.waksman@cimrbj.ac.cn, and indicate the applicant's name and specific job position in the email subject