Position Summary
Dr. Jian Xie’s laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is seeking a highly motivated candidate for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The successful candidate will investigate the roles and mechanisms of cell surface RNAs (csRNAs), glycoRNAs, and cell-surface RNA-binding proteins (csRBPs) in viral infection and cancer, with a particular emphasis on human papillomavirus (HPV) entry and virus-associated cancers.
RNA has traditionally been viewed as an intracellular biomolecule confined to the nucleus and cytoplasm. Recent discoveries, however, have revealed that a subset of RNAs is glycosylated and displayed on the cell surface (Cell, 2021; Cell, 2024; Nature, 2026), and that RNA-binding proteins are also widespread components of the cell surface (Cell, 2025; Nature Biotechnology, 2025; Molecular Cell, 2025). These findings establish an emerging area of cell-surface RNA biology with potential roles in cell-cell communication, pathogen recognition, receptor-mediated signaling, immune regulation, and cancer. The mechanisms by which these newly recognized surface molecules function during pathogen infection remain largely unknown.
The Xie laboratory studies virus-host interactions at the interface of virology, cell biology, RNA biology, cancer, and innate immunity (PNAS, 2026; PNAS, 2025; Science Advances, 2021; Cell Reports, 2020). Our recent work indicates that csRNAs and csRBPs are important determinants of HPV infection and may represent a previously unrecognized class of viral entry factors. In parallel, working with clinical collaborators, the laboratory is investigating csRNAs and glycoRNAs as candidate biomarkers across different stages of cancer. This research program is supported by an NIH R35 award and is strengthened by collaborations with leading laboratories at Yale University and Harvard University.
Research and Training Opportunities
- Develop mechanistic studies at the intersection of RNA/protein biochemistry, virology, cell biology, and molecular biology.
- Use and help advance experimental systems and technologies developed in the laboratory and through collaborators.
- Design experiments independently; collect, analyze, and interpret data; and develop new hypotheses and experimental approaches.
- Prepare manuscripts and fellowship/grant applications and present research at institutional, national, and international scientific meetings.
- Receive individualized, mentor-guided training tailored to research interests and long-term career goals, with opportunities to mentor junior trainees as appropriate.
Required Qualifications
- D. in RNA biology, cell biology, biochemistry, virology/microbiology, immunology, genetics, biological sciences, or a related field.
- Strong hands-on experience in molecular/cellular biology and/or RNA biochemistry.
- Strong motivation, rigor, creativity, collaboration, and the ability to develop increasing intellectual and experimental independence.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in one or more of the following areas is particularly valuable: RNA biochemistry, RNA seq, protein biochemistry, live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, or proteomics.
- Candidates with strong cell-biological and quantitative experimental skills are especially encouraged to apply.
Salary and Application
Salary is commensurate with experience and follows NIH guidelines for postdoctoral researchers.
Interested candidates should email the following materials to Jian Xie ([email protected]):
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter briefly describing research experience, research interests, and career goals
- Contact information for three references
Selected Publications / Bibliography: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/jian.xie.3/bibliography/public/
