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Postdoctoral Position in Ion Channel biophysics/Sperm Physiology (2026)

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated electrophysiologist/physiologist or protein biochemist to join our dynamic and expanding research team. This position is ideal for an independent, quantitative-minded scientist with a deep curiosity for the mechanism of life and interest in translational application.

Our lab investigates the critical role of ion channels and membrane receptors in regulating reproductive signaling pathways and the fertilization process. We employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining genetic manipulation, protein engineering, and advanced imaging with insights from human genetics and evolution.

This is a full-time postdoctoral position with secured NIH funding for projects on the CatSper ion channel and sperm physiology. Trainees are also strongly encouraged to apply for postdoctoral fellowships during their tenure in the lab. Compensation at Yale scale (https://postdocs.yale.edu/postdocs/being-a-postdoc-at-yale/postdoctoral-compensation).

Research Projects: The successful candidate will take a leading role in the pioneering projects:

(1) Acrosomal ion channel investigation: Characterize novel ion channels in the sperm acrosome using direct patch-clamp recording, functional imaging, and/or heterologous expression systems.

(2) CatSper Channel Drug Discovery: Perform detailed biophysical and pharmacological analysis of the first-ever functional chimeric CatSper channels in newly developed stable cell lines and conduct hit validation from high-throughput screening in human sperm.

Required Qualifications:

·      A Ph.D. with a strong background in ion channel/membrane receptor biology, organelle physiology, and/or drug discovery.

·      Extensive hands-on technical expertise in electrophysiology (patch-clamp) and/or dynamic functional imaging or protein biochemistry.

To Apply: Please send a single PDF file to Jean-Ju Chung at jean-ju.chung@yale.edu containing the following:

(1) A brief cover letter outlining your research interests and career goals.

(2) Your Curriculum Vitae

(3) Contact information of three professional references.

Graduate Students

Candidates for graduate study should apply through the BBS program and Molecular Medicine, Pharmacology, and Physiology track (MMPP) or Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Development (MCGD). For application information and more details about the graduate program, please visit the BBS Program website. 

Graduate students who are interested in lab rotations should contact Dr. Chung.

Are You Yale Undergraduate Students?

Motivated undergraduates who want to join lab for volunteer, internship, and/or senior research thesis should contact Dr. Chung.

Consider Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)  http://gsas.yale.edu/diversity/programs/summer-undergraduate-research-fellowship-surf

Freshmen! Consider to apply Yale First Year Summer Research Fellowship in the Sciences and Engineering https://science.yalecollege.yale.edu/yale-college-first-year-summer-research-fellowship-sciences-engineering

Summer funding for first years, sophomores, and juniors! Consider Yale College Dean’s Research Fellowship https://science.yalecollege.yale.edu/yale-undergraduate-research/fellowship-grants/yale-college-deans-research-fellowship