Mittwoch, 26. Januar 2011

Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Druggability of Multi-Subunit Protein Interfaces
Department of Chemistry
Vacancy Reference No: MA07682 Salary: £27,319-£35,646

Limit of tenure applies*

A postdoctoral position is available in the research group of Dr Alessio Ciulli to study the druggability of protein-protein interfaces within a family of multi-subunit E3 Ubiquitin Ligases involved in protein degradation. Our goal is to understand the molecular basis underlying small molecule recognition of native interfaces of multi-protein complexes and to exploit the information gained for the fragment-based design of novel chemical probes of biological function. The project will use a combination of structural, biophysical, computational and biochemical techniques to study protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions. For more information, please check our group website (http://www-ciulli.ch.cam.ac.uk/).

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join the Cambridge Molecular Therapeutics Programme (see http://www.cmtp.cam.ac.uk/cmtp.html), an interdisciplinary initiative based in Cambridge to explore new strategies for drug discovery against cancer and infectious diseases. We are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to conduct cutting-edge research in all aspects of modern chemical biology, structural biology and biophysics.

Applicants should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, structural biology, or a related area. Proven experience in NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography or related techniques in chemical/structural biology and structure-based drug design is essential. Some experience in synthetic organic chemistry or cell biology is desirable but not necessary. The ability to work in a creative, interdisciplinary and dynamic research environment at the interface of chemistry and biology is paramount, and good written and oral communication skills are essential.

The post is available from March 2011. Applications should include a CV, publications list, a cover letter summarising research experience and interests, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Alessio Ciulli, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: ac313@cam.ac.uk).

* The funds for this post are available until December 31st 2012 in the first instance.

Closing date: 28 February 2011.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University of Cambridge only advertises their own and college vacancies on this website; we do not advertise any external vacancies.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Dear Colleagues,

I anticipate one or more openings for postdoctoral associates to work on structural and functional characterization of either proteins involved in vesicle trafficking or proteins involved in glycan interactions. These are challenging projects involving both protein-protein and protein-membrane associations. The work is well illustrated by our recent publication in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology (17(7):876-81, 2010). It is especially important that candidates have experience with advanced NMR methodology (either solution or solids) and are interested in the development of novel approaches to solving challenging problems in the structural biology area.

Our lab has access to excellent NMR instrumentation, including 800 and 900 MHz instruments with cryogenic probes. We also have strong biochemical collaborations that facilitate preparation and characterization of samples. Athens is a University town in the Southeastern part of the United States with excellent cultural amenities and a moderate cost of living. The position could begin as early as March 1, 2011, and we anticipate stable funding for several years.

Please forward this description to individuals who may be interested in the position and ask them to send a letter describing their interests, along with a CV and the names of three individuals we might contact for reference letters. The University of Georgia is an AA/EEO employer.

Sincerely, J.H. Prestegard

James H. Prestegard
Complex Carbohydrate Research Center
University of Georgia
315 Riverbend Rd
Athens, GA 30602-4712 USA
706-542-6281
jpresteg@ccrc.uga.edu

Postdoc

Umeå University - with its 33,500 students and over 4,200 employees - is an organisation in constant change and development. Umeå University conducts groundbreaking research within several areas - several in which we are among the best in the world - within others regarded as the leaders in Sweden. We are one of Sweden’s largest providers of education and offer a broad and attractive range of courses and programmes. Our campus constitutes an inspiring environment for everyone that studies and works here. We wish to co-operate with companies and organisations throughout the Umeå region and all over the world.

2 postdoctoral positions (2 years)
in Protein Biophysics with focus on NMR applications and Copper transport

The research activities at the Department of Chemistry have a focus on Biological Chemistry, Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. Within the area of Biological Chemistry, one of the major directions is the study of protein folding, structure, and dynamics. Within the research group of Wittung-Stafshede, folding of metalloproteins and oligomeric proteins has been studied for many years by using strategic protein systems in combination with a range of biophysical/spectroscopic methods. The current major focus is on (a) understanding mechanisms of proteins involved in copper transport in the cytoplasm as well as on (b) effects of macromolecular crowding on protein biophysics. One postdoctoral fellow will study key proteins involved in copper transport (position 1), the other postdoctoral fellow will use NMR as a major tool to study proteins, for example in cell-like environments (position 2). Both projects are open to flexibility, new ideas and collaborations.

The candidates should have a Ph.D. in chemistry/biophysics/biology, or equivalent, which is not more than three years old. The person must have hands on experience with copper transport proteins (position 1) and training in solution NMR (position 2). For both positions, skills in protein expression and purification as well as basic protein thermodynamic/kinetic data analysis are necessary. Good communication skills in written and spoken English are required.

The application should include (1) a Curriculum Vitae, (2) copies of degree certificates and publications, (3) names and contact information to at least three reference persons and (4) a cover letter with a motivation.

The application can be submitted either electronically (MS Word or PDF format) or in hard-copy (two copies) form.

For further information about the positions, please contact Prof. Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, phone: +46-(0)90 786 53 47, e-mail: pernilla.wittung@chem.umu.se.

Note: If you apply for both positions, two separate applications must be submitted.

Union information is available from SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65, SEKO, +46-(0)90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31.

Your complete application, marked with reference number 315-37-11 (position 1) or 315-38-11 (position 2), should be sent to jobb@umu.se (with reference number on the subject line) or in paper form to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden to arrive April 11, 2011 at the latest.

We look forward to receiving your application!

http://www8.umu.se/umu/aktuellt/arkiv/lediga_tjanster/315-37-11_315-38-11_sv_eng.html

contact:
Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede
Professor, Chemistry Department
Umeå University
901 87 Umeå, Sweden
pernilla.wittung@chem.umu.se
phone: 090-786 5347

PhD Positions

4 PhD Positions in "Hyperpolarised 13C MR Imaging Methods"

Description:
The Technische Universität München (TUM) is seeking applications from highly motivated candidates for PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) positions in hyperpolarised magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Hyperpolarised 13C metabolic imaging is a novel technique to investigate cellular processes and physiological parameters minimally invasive. You will be involved in developing and investigating MR methods for hyperpolarised imaging of novel biological contrast mechanisms. The four different positions focus on the following aspects of hyperpolarisation: alternative 13C-labelled agents, advanced MR methods for an efficient signal acquisition and reconstruction. Overall goal is to advance the diagnostic information of MR for applications including oncology and cardiology. Depending on the specific task this will require good physical, biological and chemical understanding. Candidates having previous experience in magnetic resonance will be preferred.
You will be collaborating with a team of experienced scientists from the MR group at GE, the Medical Engineering (Prof Haase), Chemistry (Prof Glaser) and Nuclear Medicine (Prof Schwaiger) departments at TUM, get unique access to latest hardware, as well as an extensive internal and external network of collaborating sites. The TUM and GE Global Research provide excellent infrastructure for conducting cutting-edge research.

Qualifications:
The applicant should have a Masters degree and a strong background in physics, electrical engineering, biochemistry, biology, chemistry or related subjects. Fluency in English is required.

Our offer:
The Ph.D. students will be employed by the TUM (3/4 TVöD E13; equivalent to other TUM PhD positions) and additionally members of the TUM graduate school which offers additional education in sciences and transferable skills courses and seminars.

Application Details:
Applications should include curriculum vita, certificates and transcript of BA/MA/Diplom or equivalent degree, summary of the previous work, letter of motivation and names of 2 references. Please send your application within one pdf-document to axel.haase@tum.de

Contact:
Prof. Axel Haase
TU München
IMETUM
Boltzmannstr. 11
85748 Garching
axel.haase@tum.de
http://www.imetum.tum.edu/

Facility Manager/Research Scientist

The Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC) is one of the research institutes
under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). SBIC aims to
advance imaging technology for understanding disease processes, early
diagnosis, and better prognosis in pre-clinical models, and their translation
into the clinic. There are several active research teams developing NMR and MRI
methods and analyses in collaboration with other groups using positron emission
tomography (PET), and optical techniques, with shared facilities in SBIC. There
are extensive collaborations with academic institutions and industry.

Facilities and Equipment:
The SBIC is located in the Helios building on the Biopolis campus. The NMR/MRI
facility currently hosts a state-of-the-art Varian 9.4 T and a Bruker 7 T
ClinScan MRI, a Bruker 400 MHz NMR spectrometer, a HyperSense dynamic
polarization system, a BioScan NanoSPECT/CT, and a Siemens microPET/CT.

A Facility Manager/Research Scientist position, for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
(NMR) spectroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is available at the
Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC). The successful applicant will be
responsible for managing, specifying new equipment, training users, and
maintaining the NMR/MRI facility to ensure scientific outcomes of the highest
standard.

Highly motivated candidates with prior experience in maintaining MRI/S systems
and with NMR spectroscopy will be preferred. Candidates with trouble-shooting
skills including that with RF coils, and performing quality control testing
will be preferred. Job responsibilities will include cryogen filling of the
magnets, software upgrades, instruction of users, and trouble shooting.
Experience with mapping B1/B0 homogeneity, calibrating RF pulses, and
fabrication skills for minor equipment such as animal holders for MRI-PET will
be an advantage.

The preferred background will include, but not be limited to biophysics,
biochemistry, chemistry, and physics. Experience with electronics, computer
systems administration (Linux/Unix and Windows), and programming languages are
desirable. The possibility will exist to run your own experiments and/or to
collaborate with others. Good organization and communication skills are
required to work with the multi-disciplinary teams.

For further information about SBIC staff, projects, and instrumentation, visit
our website: http://www.sbic.a-star.edu.sg/.
Or contact Philip Kuchel (on philip_kuchel@sbic.a-star.edu.sg) ...he has
recently taken over from Prof Sir George Radda as ED of the SBIC
Interested candidates should submit his/her resume to the following email
address: recruit@sbic.a-star.edu.sg.

Montag, 17. Januar 2011

Postdoc NMR / X-Ray Proteins

TWO Postdoctoral Positions in Structural determination of protein complexes using solution NMR and X-Ray Crystallography at the IRB Barcelona (SPAIN)

The protein NMR group of Dr. Maria J. Macias has openings for two postdoctoral positions to conduct solution NMR and X-Ray studies of proteins in complex with protein fragments and/or with RNA. No experience with protein expression and purification is required. Applicants should send by email to maria.macias@irbbarcelona.org the C. vitae including the list of their publications, a covering letter explaining the candidate interest in the positions and email addresses of two referees. Applications close on 15 February 2011.

Funding for the positions is provided for 1 year in the first instance, but applicants should be ready to apply for competitive fellowships. The IRB Barcelona International Postdoctoral Programme (Info at http://postdoc.irbbarcelona.org) is currently open with the application deadline next 15th of February. The offered positions correspond to the projects named "Structural and functional studies on the cpeb family of RNA-binding family of proteins" and "Structural studies on human transcription factors".

Mittwoch, 12. Januar 2011

Postdoc Membrane Proteins

Structural studies of membrane proteins by NMR
A post-doctoral position is available to work on the structural studies of a variety of
membrane proteins (cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5, cytochrome-P450-reductase,
and a combination of these proteins to probe protein-protein interactions)
and amyloid proteins using NMR spectroscopy. We are presently utilizing a combination
of high-resolution solution NMR and solid-state (static and MAS) NMR techniques to
solve high-resolution structures and characterize the dynamics of membrane proteins
embedded in suitable model membranes including micelles, isotropic bicelles, bicelles,
and lipid bilayers. Excellent solution and solid-state NMR facilities (spectrometers ranging
from 400 MHz to 900 MHz), protein expression capabilities, and computational facilities
are available.

Interested applicants should have experience in any of the following areas:
structural biology of proteins by solution NMR, solid-state NMR methods development,
solution NMR methods development to study protein dynamics.

For more details about our research projects and recent publications, please visit our website:
www.umich.edu/~ramslab.

If you are interested in working on these exciting projects in collaboration with highly
enthusiastic and dynamic group of researchers, please send your CV by email to:
ramamoor@umich.edu.

Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy
Professor of Biophysics and Chemistry
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor
MI 48109-1055
www.umich.edu/~ramslab

Postdoc France

The biomolecular NMR research group of Dr. Eric Guittet (http://www.icsn.cnrs-gif.fr/guittet) at the Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles in Gif-sur-Yvette, suburb of Paris (France), is looking to recruit Master students, PhD students and postdocs from all nationalities.

Our laboratory uses modern NMR techniques to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying biological functions for a variety of systems involving proteins such as enzymes, unfolded proteins and macromolecular complexes. We are also interested in structure-based drug design and in developing new methodology for protein NMR resonance assignment and dynamic studies of slow motions in proteins.

We are seeking candidates for the following projects:

- Investigation of the catalytic role of interdomain motion in a 60kDa enzyme. (PI Ewen Lescop)
- Analysis of the interactions of WH2/Tbeta domains with actin, investigation of their functions in the regulation of actin polymerization. (PI Carine van Heijenoort)
- Investigation of membrane proteins. (PI Eric Guittet)
- Fragment-based drug design, including methological developments. (PI Eric Guittet)
- Solid-state NMR characterization of amyloid fibrils (PI Christina Sizun)

Our laboratory offers access to several high field liquid state NMR spectrometers, including a 950 MHz, a 800MHz and two 600MHz spectrometers equipped with cryoprobes, as well as a 700MHz for dual liquid and solid-state NMR use. Our institute (ICSN) is located on the CNRS campus of Gif-sur-Yvette, a charming village with countryside flavour, 40mn away from Paris by train. The campus, which is mainly dedicated to life sciences, is part of the large scientific community located South-West of Paris, next to the Soleil synchrotron and Paris XI-Orsay University.

Highly motivated applicants with a strong background in biochemistry, biophysics and/or NMR spectroscopy are invited to apply. Please contact eric.guittet_at_icsn.cnrs-gif.fr for more information and include a CV with a summary of research interests and accomplishments.


Selected publications from the lab:
- Buosi V, Placial JP, Leroy JL, Cherfils J, Guittet E, van Heijenoort C. "Insight into the role of dynamics in the conformational switch of the small GTP-binding protein Arf1." J Biol Chem. 2010;285:37987-94
- Stratmann D, Guittet E, van Heijenoort C. Robust structure-based resonance assignment for functional protein studies by NMR. J Biomol NMR. 2010;46:157-73.
- Lescop E, Briand L, Pernollet JC, Guittet E. Structural basis of the broad specificity of a general odorant-binding protein from honeybee. Biochemistry. 2009;48:2431-41.
- Lescop E, Brutscher B. Highly automated protein backbone resonance assignment within a few hours: the "BATCH" strategy and software package. J Biomol NMR. 2009;44:43-57.
- Catoire LJ, Zoonens M, van Heijenoort C, Giusti F, Popot JL, Guittet E. Inter- and intramolecular contacts in a membrane protein/surfactant complex observed by heteronuclear dipole-to-dipole cross-relaxation. J Magn Reson. 2009;197(1):91-5.
- Lescop E, Rasia R, Brutscher B. Hadamard amino-acid-type edited NMR experiment for fast protein resonance assignment.J Am Chem Soc. 2008;130:5014-5
- Carlier MF, Hertzog M, Didry D, Renault L, Cantrelle FX, van Heijenoort C, Knossow M, Guittet E. Structure, function, and evolution of the beta-thymosin/WH2 (WASP-Homology2) actin-binding module. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007;1112:67-75
- Hertzog M, van Heijenoort C, Didry D, Gaudier M, Coutant J, Gigant B, Didelot G, Préat T, Knossow M, Guittet E, Carlier MF. The beta-thymosin/WH2 domain; structural basis for the switch from inhibition to promotion of actin assembly. Cell. 2004;117:611-23.
- Catoire LJ, Damian M, Giusti F, Martin A, van Heijenoort C, Popot JL, Guittet E, Banères JL. Structure of a GPCR ligand in its receptor-bound state: leukotriene B4 adopts a highly constrained conformation when associated to human BLT2. J Am Chem Soc. 2010;132:9049-57
- Aliprandi P, Sizun C, Perez J, Mareuil F, Caputo S, Leroy JL, Odaert B, Laalami S, Uzan M, Bontems F. S1 ribosomal protein functions in translation initiation and ribonuclease RegB activation are mediated by similar RNA-protein interactions: an NMR and SAXS analysis. J Biol Chem. 2008;283:13289-301

Postdoc EPR

Myself and Chris Kay have a realistic chance of getting funding for a 3 year postdoc. The prospective candidates must send their CVs to me (victor.chechik@york.ac.uk) before the end of this Sunday 16 January. The interviews will be held on 2nd February in London, and the outcome will be known shortly afterwards. The project will start in May.

The project is a collaboration between myself, Chris Kay and National Physical Laboratory. The project aims to unravel factors determining self-assembly of amyloid peptides relevant to Alzheimer's disease, and to explore the structural features of self-assembled peptide fibres. The project will involve peptide synthesis, spin labelling, cw EPR studies including dynamics, pulsed EPR including DEER, ENDOR, ESEEM. Extensive expertise is available in all areas and appropriate training will be provided.

The short deadline is due to the Research Council changing their procedures earlier this morning. Please advise the prospective candidate to email me NOW.
Dr Victor Chechik
Department of Chemistry
University of York
Heslington, York YO10 5DD
U.K.
Tel: (+)-44-1904-324185
Fax: (+)-44-1904-322516
Email: victor.chechik@york.ac.uk

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN PROTEOMICS

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN PROTEOMICS / CELLULAR BIOLOGY FOCUSED ON THE ROLE OF NUCLEAR LAMINS IN THE RESPONSE TO OXYDATIVE STRESS

A new postdoctoral position is becoming available at CEA, a research institute located in the south-west suburb of Paris. The postdoctoral project aims at determining essential molecular mechanisms linking genome spatial organization and genome integrity. It is focused on the elucidation of the role of nuclear lamins in the response to oxidative stress. It will be carried out at the interface between two teams of complementary expertises: (1) the team of Pascale Bertrand, which recently characterized lamin defaults in cells deficient in DNA damage signalling proteins on the basis of cell biology experiments and is running a proteomic core facility to detect partners from 2D gels of complexes; (2) the team of Sophie Zinn-Justin, which has determined the 3D structures of several nuclear envelope protein domains as in particular the lamin C-terminal domain and is now involved in the characterization at the atomic level of interactions between these domains and their biological partners. Experience in cell biology and/or biochemistry is essential. The candidate should also be interested by molecular aspects and biophysics. Competitive salary (2230 euros for the fellow, i.e. 2800 euros comprising the social taxes, per month or more, based on previous research experience) is offered with health insurance, retirement plan, and language training allowance. Starting date is flexible. Interested candidates should forward a Curriculum Vitae, and electronic and postal addresses of potential references via e-mail: pascale.bertrand@cea.fr et sophie.zinn@cea.fr

STAGE POST-DOCTORAL EN BIOLOGIE CELLULAIRE/PROTEOMIQUE SUR LE ROLE DES LAMINES NUCLEAIRES EN REPONSE AU STRESS OXYDATIF.
Une offre de séjour post-doctoral est proposée au CEA, un Institut de Recherche situé dans la banlieue sud de Paris. La cellule de mammifère met en place un réseau de mécanismes protégeant l’intégrité de son génome en présence de dommages de l’ADN: le contrôle du cycle cellulaire, la réparation, l’apoptose et la sénescence. Des nombreuses recherches ont montré également que l’organisation spatiale et temporelle du génome est critique pour les fonctions du génome mais aussi pour son intégrité. Le projet de recherche post-doctoral propose d’analyser les mécanismes moléculaires associant cette organisation spatiale et l’intégrité du génome. En particulier, le rôle des lamines nucléaires dans la réponse au stress oxydatif sera caractérisé. Ce projet se fera dans le cadre d’une collaboration entre deux équipes d’expertises complémentaires : 1) l’équipe de Pascale Bertrand, spécialisée dans la réparation de l’ADN, a caractérisé récemment une dérégulation des lamines dans des cellules déficientes pour la réponse aux dommages de l’ADN; 2) l’équipe de Sophie Zinn-Justin a déterminé la structure de domaines de différentes protéines de l’enveloppe nucléaire et est impliquée maintenant dans la caractérisation à un niveau atomique des interactions entre ces domaines et leurs partenaires biologiques. Une expérience en Biologie cellulaire et/ ou en Biochimie est essentielle au projet. Le candidat devra aussi être intéressé par les aspects moléculaires et biophysiques. Un salaire compétitif sera offert (2230 euros net pour le candidat, correspondant à 2800 euros brut par mois, ou plus en fonction de son expérience). Les candidats devront envoyer un Curriculum Vitae (comprenant l’adresse électronique de personnes amenées à les recommander) aux adresses e-mail suivantes pascale.bertrand@cea.fr et sophie.zinn@cea.fr.