Research Specialist - Biochemistry

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

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The Ghanbarpour Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at WashU Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist to join our interdisciplinary research program.

Our lab investigates how bacteria and human mitochondria maintain homeostasis and respond to stress and environmental challenges. A central focus of our research is uncovering the molecular mechanisms of ATP-dependent AAA+ proteolytic machines, both soluble and membrane-spanning, and their accessory factors in bacterial and mitochondrial systems. We study how these complexes assemble, achieve substrate specificity, and promote bacterial recovery from antibiotic stress, environmental changes, and pathogen attack. These efforts integrate cryo-EM and cryo-ET structural biology, biochemical and cellular assays, and mass spectrometry.

The lab also explores bacterial defense mechanisms against bacteriophage infection, including the deployment of innate immune strategies that enable survival during phage attack. Another major focus of our research is protein engineering and the development of new molecular tools based on these systems.

In this role, you will receive extensive hands-on training in cryo-EM sample preparation and data analysis, heterogeneity analysis tools, mass spectrometry, membrane biology, biochemistry, and cellular assays. The Ghanbarpour Laboratory and WashU Medicine provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for structural biology, biochemistry, and mass spectrometry, along with a highly collaborative research environment.

Provides critically complex research and experimentation for department/s allowing the advancement of scientific analysis and discovery. Serves as a subject matter expert offering support, training and guidance relative to the discipline/area. May participate and or present on the research developed, or the established work of those within the department.

The position is supported by NIH grant R35GM160328, the Longer Life Foundation, the Siteman Cancer Center Catalysts Award, and Washington University startup funds.

Related papers:

1.     Zhang T.; Lyu, Y.; Beck, C.; Iqbal, N.; Barbosa R.; Ghanbarpour, A.; Laub, T. M.; Activation of a bacterial immunity protein via supramolecular assembly with multiple phage triggers, Nature (2026).

2.     Iqbal, N.; Keller, S.; Ghanbarpour, A. Structural plasticity of the membrane-bound protein degradation assembly supports bacterial adaptation to stress. Cell Reports, 2026.

3.     Ghanbarpour, A.; Telusma, B.; Powell, B.; Zhang, J. J.; Bolstad, I.; Vargas, C.; Keller, S.; Baker, T. A; Sauer, R. T; Davis, J. H.; An asymmetric nautilus-like HflK/C assembly controls FtsH proteolysis of membrane proteins, The EMBO Journal, 44, 2501 (2025).

4.     Ghanbarpour, A.; Sauer, R. T; Davis, J. H.;  A proteolytic AAA+ machine poised to unfold a protein substrate, Nature Communications, 15, 9681 (2024).

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

• Strong background in protein purification and biochemical assays is highly preferred.
• Experience in biochemistry, microbial genetics, cell biology, or protein engineering.

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education. No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Laboratory Setting (4 Years) No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Not Applicable Critical Thinking, Detail-Oriented, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Oral Communications, Recordkeeping, Self-Starter, Software Program, Spreadsheets, Statistical Software, Written Communication

A driver's license is not required for this position.

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Base pay is commensurate with experience.

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity or shared ancestry, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.