Postdoctoral Research Associate — Murray, UT at

About the Lab

The Ho lab at the University of Utah is launching an ambitious program to systematically discover, map, and therapeutically harness mitochondrial microproteins to reverse mitochondrial dysfunction in rare and common diseases. Microproteins encoded by small open reading frames (smORFs) represent an enormous, largely uncharted space of short proteins that regulate core aspects of mitochondrial metabolism, import, and stress responses. Building on our leadership in microprotein discovery and function, we are expanding in Utah to recruit multiple postdoctoral fellows to apply high-throughput methods and machine/deep learning to unlock the full potential of the dark proteome.

About the Role

Postdocs in the lab will drive one or more research thrusts, with projects tailored to your background. You will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of mitochondrial biology, functional genomics, and machine learning. Whether you are interested in mapping the mitochondrial microproteome, performing systems-level functional mapping, interrogating mito-MP biology, or engaging in AI-guided design of therapeutic microproteins, this role offers a chance to treat microproteins as programmable therapeutic modules.

The lab culture emphasizes team science, rigorous mechanistic work, and translation. You will join a collaborative network of basic and clinical partners aimed at moving microprotein discoveries toward therapeutic applications. We offer a highly collaborative, supportive environment spanning wet-lab, computational, and translational efforts, embedded in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Utah. The role includes structured mentoring to help you define your scientific niche, build an independent research vision, and prepare competitive grant and faculty applications.

Hiring Process

Informal inquiries are welcome if you would like to discuss fit or project directions before applying. To apply, please email the following materials to lena@ho-lab.org with the subject line "Postdoctoral application – Microproteins & Mitochondria":

CV including publication list.
A 1–2 page statement of purpose describing your past research experience, how your skills intersect with our program's goals, and one or two scientific questions you would be excited to pursue.
Contact information for 2–3 referees.

For more information on our work, please visit www.ho-lab.org.

Our Culture

We are recruiting multiple postdocs and strongly encourage applicants from all scientific and personal backgrounds. We value a diverse team that brings expertise in specific areas while maintaining enthusiasm to learn across disciplines.

Work location

Work model: On-site

418, Winchester Street, Murray, Salt Lake County, Utah, 84107, United States

Murray, Utah

Key Responsibilities

check_circleDevelop and apply machine learning models for protein language and sequence design
check_circlePerform hypotheses-driven interrogation of mitochondrial microprotein biology
check_circleDesign therapeutic microproteins using AI-guided approaches
check_circleMap the mitochondrial microproteome using high-throughput methods
check_circleConduct systems-level functional mapping of mitochondrial microproteins
check_circleAnalyze multi-omics data including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics
check_circleExecute high-throughput functional genomics screens including CRISPR and base-editing

Requirements

verifiedPhD or MD-PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or Biomedical Data Science
verifiedStrong publication record
verifiedExperience in mitochondrial biochemistry, bioenergetics, or oxidative phosphorylation
verifiedExperience in rare mitochondrial diseases or mitochondrial dysfunction
verifiedExperience in mitochondrial protein import, organelle proteostasis, or quality control
verifiedExperience in functional genomics (CRISPR/Cas9, base-editing, high-throughput reporter assays)
verifiedExperience in single-cell or spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, or metabolomics
verifiedExperience in microprotein or peptide biology
verifiedExperience in computational biology, bioinformatics, or multi-omic analyses

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Ribosome Profiling, Crispr, Transcriptomics, Metabolomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Protein Language Models, Generative Models.

Education: PhD or MD-PhD in a relevant field required.

Frequently asked questions about Post Doc Res Assoc at University of Utah - Employment

What does a Post Doc Res Assoc at University of Utah - Employment do?expand_more

In this Post Doc Res Assoc at University of Utah - Employment role, you will develop and apply machine learning models for protein language and sequence design; perform hypotheses-driven interrogation of mitochondrial microprotein biology; design therapeutic microproteins using ai-guided approaches; and map the mitochondrial microproteome using high-throughput methods.

What are the requirements for this Post Doc Res Assoc role?expand_more

To qualify for the Post Doc Res Assoc at University of Utah - Employment position, applicants should have: PhD or MD-PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or Biomedical Data Science; Strong publication record; Experience in mitochondrial biochemistry, bioenergetics, or oxidative phosphorylation; Experience in rare mitochondrial diseases or mitochondrial dysfunction; Experience in mitochondrial protein import, organelle proteostasis, or quality control; and Experience in functional genomics (CRISPR/Cas9, base-editing, high-throughput reporter assays).

Where is the Post Doc Res Assoc role at University of Utah - Employment located?expand_more

Post Doc Res Assoc at University of Utah - Employment is based in 418, Winchester Street, Murray, Salt Lake County, Utah, 84107, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Post Doc Res Assoc job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

University of Utah - Employment has listed this Post Doc Res Assoc role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Post Doc Res Assoc role?expand_more

Candidates for Post Doc Res Assoc at University of Utah - Employment should have intern.

What skills do you need for the Post Doc Res Assoc role at University of Utah - Employment?expand_more

Key skills for Post Doc Res Assoc at University of Utah - Employment include Machine Learning; Deep Learning; Ribosome Profiling; Crispr; Transcriptomics; Metabolomics; Proteomics; and Bioinformatics.

What education is required for Post Doc Res Assoc at University of Utah - Employment?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: PhD or MD-PhD in a relevant field required.

What category does the Post Doc Res Assoc role belong to?expand_more

Post Doc Res Assoc at University of Utah - Employment is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.

Post Doc Res Assoc