Scholarship: Fully-funded
Degree: Bachelor, Master, Ph.D
Nationality: International Students
Location: USA
Application deadlines: Open
Scholarship Description:
The Yang Jie Lab focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cellular stress responses, particularly mitochondrial stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and the downstream integrated stress response (ISR). We employ interdisciplinary approaches, combining structural biology (cryo-electron microscopy/Cryo-ET), biochemistry (protein characterization), and cell biology (fluorescence imaging) in our research. Our ultimate goal is to regulate these stress response pathways under physiological and pathological conditions to develop novel therapeutic strategies for related human diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic dysfunctions, and cancer. We have established close collaborations with experts in disease-related mouse models to complement our mechanistic findings.
Dr. Yang Jie earned his Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from Wuhan University. From 2014 to 2019, he pursued a PhD in Biophysics at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in innate immunity. From 2019 to 2024, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego, concentrating on the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial stress responses. In 2024, Dr. Yang established his independent research lab as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
Dr. Yang’s early research can be found on Google Scholar: Google Scholar Profile.
Recently, Dr. Yang made exciting preliminary discoveries in the ER stress pathway. The new postdoc will have the opportunity to take over these projects, with the expectation of publishing impactful papers within a year. For more information or further discussion, please feel free to reach out.
The University of Virginia is one of the top universities in the United States, often referred to as a “Public Ivy” and a member of the “New Ivy League.” It consistently ranks among the top 30 universities in the U.S., placing 24th in the 2024 rankings. The medical school boasts top-tier facilities for cutting-edge research, including a 300kV Titan Krios electron microscope with a K3 direct electron detector, a 200kV Glacios electron microscope with a Falcon4 direct electron detector, a 200kV F20, a 120kV Spirit screening electron microscope, and an Aquilos 2 Cryo-FIB. The Yang Jie Lab is also equipped with the latest Vitrobot Mark V for efficient cryo-EM sample preparation.
Charlottesville is a charming and inclusive city rich in American history, offering residents a high quality of life, including livability, safety, family-friendly communities, and top schools. Its convenient location near Washington, D.C., and Richmond provides access to numerous attractions, museums, and shopping centers. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore many hiking and biking trails in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Available Subjects:
- Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cellular stress responses
Eligibility criteria:
- The ideal candidate should possess self-motivation, a strong research interest, independence, good communication skills, and a collaborative spirit, along with the ability to lead projects independently. Candidates with a background and expertise in structural biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry are preferred, but we also encourage highly motivated individuals from other fields to apply. Applicants should have training experience in project leadership, experimental design, problem-solving, and scientific writing. The lab has ample funding support and offers competitive salary and benefits.
Application Procedure:
Please email your cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references to Dr. Yang Jie at [email protected].
