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Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Knoxville, TN, USA
USD 56,956-56,956 / year
Posted on Mar 30, 2026

The Sun lab (https://www.jiesunlab.com/) is interested in developing advanced mass spectrometry–based structural proteomics platforms to investigate protein structure and dynamics in native environments. We focus on: (1) integral membrane proteins embedded in their physiological lipid contexts, and (2) intrinsically disordered proteins such as Tau. By integrating chemical footprinting, in situ labeling strategies, and multi-modal MS analysis, we aim to decode the high-order structures of those sensitive proteins and facilitate the understanding of disease mechanisms and drug development. The Sun lab is in the BCMB department (bcmb.utk.edu) at the University of Tennessee in the city of Knoxville.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.


The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

The Sun lab (https://www.jiesunlab.com/) is interested in developing advanced mass spectrometry–based structural proteomics platforms to investigate protein structure and dynamics in native environments. We focus on: (1) integral membrane proteins embedded in their physiological lipid contexts, and (2) intrinsically disordered proteins such as Tau.

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, mass spectrometry imaging, or a related field.
  • First-author publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Strong background in protein biochemistry or molecular biology.
  • Ability to design and conduct independent research experiments.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

  • Experience in protein expression and purification.
  • Experience with SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and standard protein characterization techniques.
  • Experience with protein footprinting, cross-linking MS, or structural proteomics.

Work Location

  • Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • Anticipated hiring range: $56,956

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, interested individuals should provide a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required minimum qualification and a resume. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

About The Department:

The University of Tennessee Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) is home to over 400 undergraduate majors. Housed in the Ken and Blaire Mossman (1311 Cumberland Ave.) and Hesler Biology and Greenhouse (1406 Circle Dr.) Buildings, our research teams of faculty, undergrads, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows are working on topics ranging from molecular structure to organismal levels.


This postdoctoral position is expected to work largely on a recently NIH-funded project in the area of mass spectrometry-based protein biophysics of membrane proteins. The main experimental techniques for investigations will include mass spectrometry (MS), protein footprinting, cross-linking, protein MS imaging, and AI-based protein structural prediction. The main instrument would be a newly installed TimsTOF Pro 2 coupled with NanoElute 2 nanoHPLC-MS system in the Sun laboratory.