University at Buffalo
Postdoc Position

Postdoctoral Associate, Physiology and Biophysics

Deadline
Apr 14, 2027
Closing in 177 days
Location
N/A
United States
Employment
Fixed contract (1-4 years)
Full time
Reference
N/A
Posted Oct 16, 2026
Offered salary$49,000 – $70,000

About the role

Employment Opportunities

Postdoctoral Associate, Physiology and Biophysics

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Posting Details

Position Information
Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Position Title Postdoctoral Associate, Physiology and Biophysics
Classification Title Postdoctoral Associate
Department Physiology and Biophysics
Posting Number R260151
Posting Link https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/64468
Employer Research Foundation
Position Type RF Professional
Job Type Full-Time
Appointment Term
Salary Grade E.89
Posting Detail Information
Position Summary Postdoctoral Position Available Immediately
Qin Laboratory for Dynamic Structural Biophysics
Department of Physiology and BiophysicsJacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
University at Buffalo
  • Our Vision: Observe Biology in Motion
Biology happens in motion. Yet most structural and biophysical methods capture only static snapshots. Our laboratory seeks to understand dynamic molecular mechanisms underlying protein function. We integrate structural biology, electrophysiology, quantitative biophysics, and computational approaches to visualize transient molecular events and uncover the physical principles that govern protein function.

Our philosophy is simple: When existing tools cannot answer important biological questions, we build new ones. This has led to innovations ranging from the QuB software suite for single-channel kinetic analysis, to submillisecond temperature-clamp electrophysiology, differential scanning calorimetry for thermal activation, and now time-resolved cryo-EM. Together, these approaches are establishing a new framework for dynamic structural biophysics.

  • Current Research
Our current biological focus is thermoTRP ion channels – molecular sensors of temperature and pain. Beyond these fascinating proteins, our long-term goal is to develop broadly applicable approaches for studying protein dynamics across diverse biological systems.

Current research includes:
  • Decoding the mechanisms of temperature sensing by ion channels
  • Developing and applying time-resolved cryo-EM to capture previously inaccessible conformational states
  • Engineering ultrafast perturbation methods that trigger and trap dynamic protein motions in real time.
  • Integrating structural, electrophysiological, thermodynamic, and computational approaches into quantitative models of protein dynamics
Faculty profile and publications here.

  • The Opportunity
This position offers the opportunity to participate in an innovative, interdisciplinary research program at the interface of structural biology, electrophysiology, instrumentation, and quantitative biophysics. Working closely with Professor Qin and collaborators, the successful candidate will contribute to exciting biological discoveries while building a broad foundation in modern structural and biophysical research.

The laboratory emphasizes close mentoring, creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development, providing an environment in whichtrainees progress from guided research to increasing scientific independence while developing their own scientific ideas, learning new techniques, and producing high-quality publications.

We do not expect applicants to have expertise in every aspect of our research. Laboratory members come from diverse backgrounds, including electrophysiology, structural biology, protein biochemistry, computation, physics, and engineering. We build on each individual’s strengths while providing opportunities to broaden their expertise, learn new methodologies, and collaborate across disciplines in a supportive environment.

Professor Qin has over 30 years of mentoring experience and is committed to helping trainees develop into independent scientists through personalized mentoring, scientific freedom, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to lead innovative research, publish impactful work, and prepare for independent research careers.

  • Qualifications
Applicants should have, or be close to completing, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable, but not required:
- Electrophysiology
- Protein biochemistry
- Structural biology
- Cryo-EM
- Fluorescent microscopy
Most importantly, we seek motivated, creative, intellectually curious scientists who enjoy tackling important biological problems and are excited to learn new approaches beyond their original area of expertise.

  • Research Environment
The laboratory provides a highly interdisciplinary environment integrating structural biology, electrophysiology, fluorescence microscopy, protein biochemistry, thermodynamics, instrumentation development, and quantitative modeling.

Our long-standing collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory provides access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities and expertise.


  • Salary, Benefits, and Career Development
This position is available immediately.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience following current NIH guidelines.
Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit – all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. Visit our benefits website to learn about our benefit packages.
Visa sponsorship is available for qualified international applicants.


About UB
The University at Buffalo is SUNY’s most comprehensive public research university, and an outstanding place to work. UB amplifies ambition for faculty and staff by offering endless possibilities to achieve more. Here, people from all backgrounds and cultures challenge and inspire each other to discover, learn and succeed. Dedicated staff and engaged faculty collaborate to further knowledge and understanding, and develop tenacious graduates who are valued for their talents and their impact on global society. Visit our website to learn more about the University at Buffalo: https://www.buffalo.edu

The Research Foundation of SUNY is an EOE and welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with a disability.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in a relevant field (Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline)
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in electrophysiology (patch-clamp), structural biology (single-particle cryo-EM), fluorescence microscopy, or other biophysical approaches for studying protein structure and function.
Our University Community
Physical Demands
Driving Requirements This position will never drive a university owned vehicle.
Salary Range $49,000 – $70,000
Additional Salary Information The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.
Work Hours 40 hours per week
Campus South Campus
Posting Alerts
Special Instructions Summary
Is a background check required for this posting? No
Background Check Notification
Contact Information
Contact's Name Feng Qin
Contact's Pronouns
Contact's Title
Contact's Email [email protected]
Contact's Phone 716-829-6030
Posting Dates
Posted 09/23/2026
Deadline for applicants Open Until Filled
Date to be filled 12/31/2027
References
Number of references required 2
Reference Cutoff Date
Instructions to Applicant

Supplemental Questions

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  2. * Please indicate your current employment affiliation with the University at Buffalo.
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    • No Current Employment Affiliation

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Statement of Research Interests
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter

How to apply

Read the full posting, then apply through the employer's own site. Applications are handled by the institution, not by AcademicGates.