Mitochondria are central to the cellular architects of cellular energy conversion, and their function is linked to their intricate internal structure. The inner mitochondrial membrane is folded into cristae, dynamic subcompartments that organize the oxidative phosphorylation. Advances in cryo-EM have provided atomic views of isolated respiratory complexes, yet a fundamental question remains unresolved: how these machines are organized, regulated, and remodeled within native membranes. We lack a mechanistic understanding of how the nanoscale arrangement and conformational dynamics within cristae dictate organelle function and how their disruption contributes to cellular decline.

Amunts Lab aims to overcome this limitation by resolving mitochondrial energy-converting complexes in-situ and at higher resolution across defined functional states. Our central hypothesis is that the mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and disease is driven by the disassembly of supramolecular complexes and the loss of specific, functionally critical conformational states that are only observable in their native cellular context. We further hypothesize that cristae formation is orchestrated through ordered assembly of these complexes into defined oligomeric arrays.

In 2015, Dr. Amunts established an independent research group at Stockholm University, where he became a tenured Associate Professor. His team investigates the molecular mechanisms of bioenergetics and protein synthesis, combining experimental and computational approaches to study energy conversion from the molecular to the cellular level, and how these processes are shaped by evolution and human disease. Dr. Amunts also played a leading role in founding the Swedish National Cryo-EM Facility. In 2024, he took a sabbatical at Westlake University, and was appointed Honorary Chair Professor at Huazhong Agricultural University and Shandong University. He is currently a Group Leader at the University of Münster and a Humboldt Scholar at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund.

“Hire very smart people. Leave them alone, but with a tea room to talk. Support them so they have time & aren’t chasing money” – Max Perutz. If you are interested in working in such environment, please contact Alexey Amunts.

1. Associate Investigator / Assistant Investigator (2 positions)

Job Responsibilities：

（1）Conduct independent research under the guidance of the PI;

（2）Independently or jointly apply for research grants and write papers;

（3）Assist in supervising postdocs, students, and research assistants;

（4）Support laboratory management.

Requirements：

（1）Possess a Ph.D. degree and postdoctoral research experience from leading research institutions in China or abroad;

（2）Have an academic background in structural biology with proven independent research capability and extensive experimental experience;

（3）Have published high-impact scientific papers as the first author or corresponding author;

（4）Be proficient in using English as a working language for both oral and written academic communication;

（5）Possess strong communication and teamwork skills, high academic integrity, a rigorous scientific attitude, and a strong passion for exploration and innovation.

2. Postdoctoral Fellow (3 positions)

 Job Responsibilities：

（1）Conduct independent or collaborative research under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI);

（2）Assist in applying for various research projects;

（3）Assist in supervising and mentoring students.

Requirements：

（1）Hold a Ph.D. degree in structural biology;

（2）Have published or are about to publish research papers in relevant academic fields, and possess the ability to carry out independent research;

（3）Have good command of English for reading and academic writing;

（4）Possess excellent communication and teamwork skills, high academic integrity, a rigorous scientific attitude, and strong research motivation.

3. Research Assistant (2 positions)

 Job Responsibilities：

（1）Assist Associate/Assistant Investigators, Postdoctoral Fellows, and PhD students in research work;

（2）Conduct research under the supervision of the PI;

（3）Assist with other research-related tasks assigned by the laboratory.

Requirements：

（1）Hold a bachelor’s degree or above; experience in structural biology is preferred; candidates with extensive laboratory experience are highly desirable;

（2）Be responsible, skilled in laboratory operations, and possess strong collaboration and communication abilities; 

（3）Have good English reading and writing proficiency.

4. Laboratory Manager (1 positions)

Job Responsibilities：

（1）Responsible for the daily operation and management of the laboratory;

（2）Handle procurement, maintenance, and management of laboratory equipment, reagents, consumables, and research resources;

（3）Manage personnel matters, including hosting visiting scholars and students, onboarding and training new members, and coordinating equipment use and sharing.

Requirements：

（1）Hold a bachelor’s degree or above; candidates with a PhD degree are preferred;

（2）Be capable of working independently and efficiently, with strong professional ethics, teamwork spirit, responsibility, and good communication skills;

（3）Have good English reading and writing skills.

Applicants should provide：

（1）A complete CV in Chinese or English, including educational background, research experience and achievements, key scientific skills, awards, and personal research interests;

（2）Three recommendation letters (required only for Associate Investigator/Assistant Investigator and Postdoctoral Fellow applicants). The applicant should include the referees’ information in the application email, and the referees should send the recommendation letters directly to amuntslab@smart.org.cn;

（3）Other materials that can demonstrate the applicant’s research and professional capabilities.

Please send the application materials in PDF format to amuntslab@smart.org.cn (Email subject: “Position – Name – Major”). Qualified candidates will be notified for an interview.

All applications will be kept confidential, and compensation is negotiable.

This recruitment notice remains open until all positions are filled.