Mittwoch, 7. Oktober 2009

Postdoctoral Position in Protein NMR Spectroscopy

The Protein NMR research group of Dr. Lars T. Kuhn at the DFG Research Center for Molecular Physiology of the Brain (www.cmpb.de) and the Cluster of Excellence ‘Microscopy at the Nanometer Range’ of the University of Göttingen (Germany) is offering a "Postdoctoral Position in Protein NMR Spectroscopy" starting from 1 January 2010 for initially one year and nine months with an optional extension for another two to three years at the end of the first period.

The research of the prospective candidate will mainly focus on the characterization and the dynamic behaviour of the structures of native and non-native states of proteins that are involved in the generation of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, our group undertakes the analysis of biologically active peptides and small model systems, with emphasis on determining their different conformations under changing experimentel conditions together with their folding behaviour. For these purposes, NMR spectroscopy and complementary techniques for the identification of structural elements (e.g. CD polarimetry) are being employed. The protein NMR facility includes dedicated state-of-the-art ‘high field’ NMR spectrometers at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry (Göttingen) (www.mpibpc.gwdg.de) in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Christian Griesinger and fully equipped biochemistry ‘wet lab’ facilities for protein expression and purification.

A highly motivated researcher with a Ph.D. in biochemistry/structural biology or a related discipline, with evidence of productive, independent contributions in science, as demonstrated by a strong publication record, will be the preferred candidate for this position. The applicant should be familiar with the principles and practice of protein NMR spectroscopy and protein structure determination. Previous experience with protein expression and purification is not required but will be considered favourably if at hand. As the group’s working philosophy supports independent thinking, successful candidates will be encouraged to develop their own ideas and research objectives within the framework of the group’s field of research. Applications should include a meaningful CV together with the names/electronic mail addresses of three referees and should be sent to Dr. Lars T. Kuhn (e-mail: lars.kuhn@gwdg.de).