Post Doctoral Associate

Posting Summary 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. Investigating the material properties of biomolecular condensates in mammalian cells.2. Studying the activation and subcellular distribution of mechanosensitive membrane proteins.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, 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. Position Status Full Time Posting Number 25FA0822 Posting Open Date Posting Close Date Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience A Ph. D. in chemistry, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, biophysics, cell biology, or related areas is required. Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. Preferred Qualifications Equipment Utilized Micropipette manipulation and patch-clamp, optical tweezers, fluorescence microscopy, cell culture, AFM, EM. Physical Demands and Work Environment 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. Overview The Shi lab integrates biophysical, chemical, and optical approaches to study biomolecular assemblies at the subcellular level. Current focuses are: (1) mechanical signaling pathways at the plasma membrane, and (2) the material properties of membraneless condensates in the cytoplasm. Our research not only uncovers the physical chemistry underpinnings of cell biology, but also provides insights into disease mechanisms, ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer. Statement Below are examples of our recent research contributions. Please visit our lab website at 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. 644, 1088–1096, 2025. 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.