Postdoctoral Researcher

Mitochondria-Lysosome Crosstalk in Aging and Senescence - Zhou, Hansen, and Andersen Labs

POSITION SUMMARY
The Zhou, Hansen, and Andersen Labs at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging are jointly seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to explore the molecular mechanisms of mitochondria–lysosome crosstalk in aging and cellular senescence. This collaborative project spans multiple model systems from cellular models to multicellular organisms such as C. elegans to address how organelle dysfunction contributes to aging and age-related diseases.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and lysosomal impairment are conserved hallmarks of aging and central drivers in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of cell biology, aging research, and systems-level analysis, using a wide range of cutting-edge technologies:

• Genetic screening and molecular biology
• Super-resolution and cryo-electron microscopy
• High-throughput screening
• Quantitative image analysis and machine learning

The postdoctoral researcher will be co-mentored by three PIs, with Dr. Zhou serving as the primary mentor, and will actively collaborate across labs to conduct cross-species, cross-disciplinary aging research. We welcome candidates who are curious, ambitious, and eager to uncover fundamental biological principles with translational relevance to age-related diseases.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, or a related field
• Strong experimental background in cellular or organismal models
• Prior experience with microscopy, organelle biology, or aging/senescence studies is a plus
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment

WE OFFER 

• A highly collaborative, innovative environment for aging research in the San Francisco Bay Area
• $71,845 - $80,000 postdoc salary range (commensurate with level & experience)
• Generous benefits package includes health insurance, paid parental leave, vacation/sick leave, and 401(k) with a 5% employer match and student loan repayment option 

TO APPLY
Please submit a current CV, 3 professional references, and a cover letter addressing your past research experience, plans, and expectations for working in the labs. For questions, contact Dr. Zhou via email ([email protected]).

Related publications from our labs：

1. Liu et al. Mitochondria-lysosome coupling contributes to lysosome acidification and aging. In revision
2. Yang et al. 2024. Autophagy protein ATG-16.2 and its WD40 domain mediate the beneficial effects of inhibiting early-acting autophagy genes in C. elegans neurons. Nature Aging 4 (2): 198-212
3. Chamoli et al. 2023. A drug-like molecule engages nuclear hormone receptor DAF-12/FXR to regulate mitophagy and extend lifespan. Nature Aging 3 (12): 1529-1543
4. Liu et al. 2023. Nascent mitochondrial proteins initiate the localized condensation of cytosolic protein aggregates on the mitochondrial surface. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 120(31) e2300475120
5. Liu et al., 2022. Tom70 regulates the transcription of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins. eLife. 11:e75658
6. Nieto-Torres et al. 2021. LC3B phosphorylation regulates FYCO1 binding and directional transport of autophagosomes. Current Biology, 15;S0960-9822(21)00750-8
7. Domnauer et al., 2021. Proteome plasticity in response to persistent environmental change. Molecular Cell. 81(16):3294-3309