A bright and enthusiastic student is sought to undertake studies within the NMR group at the Tokyo Metropolitan University in Japan. Funding covers tuition fees, scholarship and other benefits and is restricted to nationals of Asian countries* (see below for further details).
Our research focuses on technique development of NMR measurements inside living cells (in-cell NMR) and on development of new methods of study of larger proteins (50-100kDa range) and their interactions.
This PhD project will investigate the structure and dynamics of proteins inside living cells, initially focusing on Escherichia coli and later extending to eukaryotic cells.
For our group's previous experience with in-cell NMR method development please see:
Sakakibara et al., "Protein structure determination in living cells by in-cell NMR spectroscopy." Nature 458, 102-105 (2009)
There is also a possibility to get involved in structure determination of larger proteins. This work would focus on optimization and development of rapid NMR measurement and finding better ways of obtaining NMR structure from limited data.
Ultimately this PhD research would lead to the contribution in methodology and state-of-the-art in NMR spectroscopy.
Our NMR group has a fully equipped biochemistry 'wet lab' facilities for protein expression and purification, and our own dedicated a cryoprobe-equipped 600MHz Bruker spectrometer at Tokyo Metropolitan University. We also have access to high field NMR spectrometers at RIKEN Yokohama Institute.
Applications are encouraged from students with a relevant biological sciences or (bio)physical background. Candidate must have, or be expected to receive, a Masters or equivalent degree. Experience in preparing/handling over-expressed proteins would be advantageous. Some experience in biomolecular NMR is preferable, but not necessary.
Language: Ability to communicate in English in speaking and writing.
Funding Source: "Asian Human Resources Fund" PhD scholarship from Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Scholarship of 170,000 yen a month and other benefits (housing, health insurance, and travel subsidies) will be provided for a period of three years.
Project enquiries should be sent to professor Yutaka Ito at ito-yutaka@tmu.ac.jp (please include a CV).
Application forms are available by above email, and the formal application will be submitted to the graduate school after initial enquiry and project discussion with the candidate.
Applications period 19-30 April 2010 (postmarked).
*“Asian nations” refer to the counties or regions of the East Asia, the Southeast Asia, and the South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
-- ================================================= Prof. Yutaka Ito Department of Chemistry Tokyo Metropolitan University email: ito-yutaka@tmu.ac.jp 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, JAPAN Tel: +81-42-677-2545 http://www.comp.tmu.ac.jp/osbc/GROUP/ito_home_e.html =================================================
