Postdoctoral Associate

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.

The Shi lab at Rutgers University in New Brunswick is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of biophysical chemistry and cell biology. We are currently offering two exciting research topics: 1. Studying the activation and subcellular distribution of mechanosensitive membrane proteins. 2. Investigating the material properties of biomolecular condensates in mammalian cells. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of researchers in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology. We encourage applicants with a strong background in biophysics, mechanical or biomedical engineering, material science, biochemistry, mechanobiology, or a related field to apply. Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent degree and a record of academic excellence. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are essential. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a stimulating work environment that fosters growth and development. If you are passionate about scientific research and want to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply.

A Ph. D. in chemistry, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, biophysics, cell biology, or related areas is required.

N.A.

The candidate should be well trained in experimental biophysics or biochemistry. Candidates with experience in studying membranes, biomolecular condensates, neuroscience, and/or mechanobiology are preferred.

Micropipette manipulation and patch-clamp, optical tweezers, fluorescence microscopy, cell culture, AFM, EM.

The Shi lab is located in the Rutgers New Chemistry and Chemical Biology building, with state-of-the-art facilities, modern lab and office space to carry out interdisciplinary research.

The Shi lab combines biophysical, chemical, and optogenetic tools to study the properties of biomolecular assemblies such as protein condensates and cell membranes. We aim to understand the material and mechanical properties of these biomolecular assemblies. Our research will shed light on the physical chemistry mechanisms that underlie cell biological phenomena.

Below are examples of our recent research contributions. Please visit our lab website at https://sites.rutgers.edu/shi-lab/ for more information.

Wang H, Hoffmann C, Tromm JV, Su X, Elliott J, Wang Han, Deng M, McClenaghan C, Baum J, Pang ZP, Milovanovic D*, Shi Z*. Live-Cell Quantification Reveals Viscoelastic Regulation of Synapsin Condensates by ?-Synuclein. Science Advances. 11(16), eads7627. 2025.

Cheng HH, Roggeveen JV, Wang H, Stone HA*, Shi Z*, Brangwynne CP*. Micropipette aspiration reveals differential RNA-dependent viscoelasticity of nucleolar subcompartments. PNAS. 122 (22), e2407423122. 2025.

Zhu Y#, Xiao F#, Wang YL#, Wang YF#, Li J#, Zhong D, Huang Z, Yu M, Wang Z, Barbara J, Plunkett C, Zeng M, Song Y, Wang Z, Cai C, Guan X, Hammack S, Zhang L, Shao F, Shi Z*, Xiang FL*, Xu J*. NINJ1 regulates plasma membrane fragility under mechanical tension. Nature. Accepted.

Yang S, Miao X, Arnold S, Li B, Ly AT, Wang H, Wang M, Guo X, Pathak MM, Zhao W, Cox CD, Shi Z*. Membrane curvature governs the distribution of Piezo1 in live cells. Nature Communications. 13, 7467. 2022.

Shi Z, Innes-Gold S, Cohen AE*. Membrane tension propagation couples axon growth and collateral branching. Science Advances. 8(35), eabo1297. 2022.

Wang H, Kelley FM, Milovanovic D, Schuster BS, Shi Z*. Surface tension and viscosity of protein condensates quantified by micropipette aspiration. Biophysical Reports. 1(1), 100011, 2021.

Shi Z, Graber ZT, Baumgart T, Stone HA, Cohen AE*. Cell membranes resist flow. Cell 175(7), 1769-1779. 2018.