Postdoctoral Research Associate (Bartesaghi Lab - Machine Learning & Cryo-EM)

The Bartesaghi Lab (https://cryoem.cs.duke.edu) invites applications for two postdoctoral associate positions to develop computational methods and data analysis pipelines at the intersection of machine learning and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and sub-tomogram averaging, to address fundamental questions in the life sciences. Successful candidates will work at the interface of machine learning and experimental biology. Responsibilities include developing methods that embed domain knowledge into machine-learning models and applying these approaches to structural biology and disease-related questions, with particular emphasis on Parkinson’s disease. A central goal is scalable analysis of large datasets from dynamic complexes acquired with modern, high-throughput cryo-EM and in-situ cellular tomography workflows. Postdocs will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team spanning Duke University (Computer Science; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Biochemistry; Neurobiology; and Cell Biology) and partner institutions, including the Van Andel Institute, Emory University, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The Bartesaghi Lab has dedicated access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including cryo-EM and cryo-ET capabilities through the Pratt School of Engineering Shared Materials and Instrumentation Facility (SMIF), as well as high-performance CPU and GPU computing through Duke Research Computing. Ideal candidates should hold a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a closely related area. Candidates must have at least one first-author or substantial-contribution publication in a leading venue in applied machine learning and/or structural biology and have strong recommendation letters from established researchers in the field. The application deadline is July 15th, 2026, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received. Positions are for 2-4 years depending on the candidate’s interests and experience. Start dates are flexible, aligned with PhD completion. Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. Application Materials Required: Curriculum Vitae Statement of Research Experience/Interests Two or more reference letters Further Info: Alberto Bartesaghi Department of Computer Science and Biochemistry Duke University Durham, NC 27708-0129 Bartesaghi Lab: https://cryoem.cs.duke.edu/ Working at Duke: https://hr.duke.edu/careers/about-duke