Montag, 30. August 2010

Postdoctoral Position at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Postdoctoral Position at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Title: Structural Biology: Tanja Mittag, PhD

Requisition Number: 6447

Description
A postdoctoral position is available immediately for a highly motivated individual interested in studying the molecular basis of dynamic protein complexes in the ubiquitination pathway and cell cycle control in the laboratory of Tanja Mittag at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN USA. 70% of cancer-related proteins contain long disordered regions that convey important roles in cells, particularly in mediating interactions with other macromolecules in signal transduction. Disordered protein regions can execute their functions in the absence of a well-defined structure. It is becoming increasingly clear that even their complexes may remain largely disordered, allowing for unusual properties such as signal integration, graded and ultrasensitive responses. We will use NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical methods to elucidate molecular mechanisms of these protein interactions to understand their biological functions and the benefits of protein disorder.

Requirements
The position is an ideal opportunity for either a candidate with experience in NMR spectroscopy to complement their training by learning other biochemical and biophysical techniques or for a biochemist/biophysicist interested in advanced protein NMR spectroscopy techniques. The fellow would benefit both from the excellent departmental facilities and from the collaborative St. Jude community. Candidates should have (or expect) a Ph.D. and/or M.D. and should have experience in protein expression, purification, and/or NMR spectroscopy.

Contact
Please apply online ( https://hospital.stjude.org/apps/apo/index.jsp ) and send a CV with list of publications, a brief letter of research interests and goals and arrange for three reference letters to be forwarded to

Tanja Mittag, PhD
Assistant Member
Department of Structural Biology
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 311
Memphis, TN 38105
Email: tanja.mittag@stjude.org

Post-doc position opening in Orleans, France

We are currently looking for a post-doc candidate in the context of an international US-French collaborative project focusing on the local structures around active heteroatoms in boro- and alumino-silicate materials for catalysis. It is a three-year project that started in January 2010 and is co-funded by the French Agence Nationale pour la recherche (ANR) and the US National Science Fundation (NSF).

The work of the selected candidate will mainly focus on determining the molecular structures of alumino- and boro-silicate materials that cannot be accessed from XRD analyses. Therefore, he/she will combine semi-empirical and/or ab initio molecular dynamics and density functional theory (DFT) calculations with experimental solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. He/she will have to develop semi-automatic protocols that integrate the large range of information that can be obtained using NMR spectroscopy, including chemical shifts, quadrupolar interactions, dipolar and scalar couplings and their calculation by DFT with quantum mechanical molecular modeling and structure-determination approaches to propose, solve, and refine the structure of layered and three-dimensional silicate materials and their B- or Al-incorporated analogs. He/she will explore the possibilities for modeling the local structural order and disorder around heteroatom sites and analyze their consistency with multidimensional correlated NMR data. Resulting interpretations of the local ordering and/or disordering at and near heteroatom sites will ultimately be correlated with the macroscopic properties of these materials to propose predictive models of their influence on catalytic properties of boro- and alumino-silicate materials.

The duration of the contract will be 18 months, with a salary of 1800-2500 euros/months depending on previous experience.

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in the field of chemistry or physics with strong backgrounds in molecular modeling and materials chemistry. Practical experience with solid-state NMR spectroscopy will be considered a plus, but is not mandatory for the position.

The group (http://www.cemhti.cnrs-orleans.fr/Poles/?idtheme=1) of Dominique Massiot (http://www.cemhti.cnrs-orleans.fr/Contact/PeopleFile.aspx?id=27) has a widely-recognized expertise in solid-state NMR of inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic materials, and we are currently integrating increasing amounts of molecular modeling dedicated to the prediction of NMR parameters for the interpretation of experimental data. We have access and practical experience with codes such as CASTEP, Gaussian, and Quantum Espresso, with privileged access to local supercomputers.

Orléans, is a very nice city in the center of France, surrounded by beautiful forests, and located just one hour by train from the very center of Paris.

Please send a CV, motivation letter, and list of referees to:
Dr. Sylvian CADARS
CEMHTI-CNRS
1D, Av. de la Recherche Scientifique
45071 Orléans Cedex 2, France
Fax: +33 (0) 2 38 63 81 03
Tel: +33 (0) 2 38 25 55 04
email: sylvian.cadars@cnrs-orleans.fr
http://www.cemhti.cnrs-orleans.fr/?nom=cadars

Montag, 23. August 2010

NMR Scientist at the Environmental NMR Centre

NMR Scientist at the Environmental NMR Centre, University of Toronto
Scarborough

The Environmental NMR Centre and the Department of Physical and Environmental
Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough are seeking a Senior NMR
Research Associate to oversee the daily operation, training, and management of
the Environmental NMR Centre. The position has a very large research and
development component and the candidate is expected to work closely in and with
the facilities Directors to maintain the centre at the cutting-edge of
Environmental NMR globally and be central to pioneering new developments in NMR
in general.

The Environmental NMR Centre currently houses two unique, Bruker BioSpin NMR
systems. The first is a fully hyphenated 2D-HPLC-SPE-NMR-MS, and is novel both
in Canada and Environmental Research in general. The second system has
capabilities to perform in situ multiphase NMR analyses of heterogeneous
samples that contain solid, gel and solution phase samples, the hardware is
globally unique and being co-developed directly with Bruker BioSpin. The Centre
focuses on the development and application of NMR techniques to study a range
of environmental problems. The current topics of research include:
environmental metabolomics, LC-SPE-NMR-MS applications to complex environmental
mixtures, in vivo NMR spectroscopy imaging, hyperpolarization, DNP, development
of multiphase NMR methods (solids, HR-MAS, solutions NMR as a single
technique). In addition, the Centre focuses on the development and application
of novel NMR approaches to complex systems (including soils, ocean sediments,
atmospheric deposits (particles, rain, snow, glacial ice), cells, tissues,
small organisms and other environmental matrices) to better understand
structure and environmental reactivity.

After an initial probationary period, this will be a continuing full-time
appointment.

The NMR scientist will report to the Chair of the Department and work closely
with the Director and Associate Director of the Environmental NMR Centre. The
research associate will be responsible for instrument maintenance, training of
graduate students/postdoctoral fellows/visiting scientists, assist in writing
grant applications to upgrade the centre and co-publication of research with
the facility's principal investigators and collaborators. The candidate will
also be expected to lead research projects publishing both as a primary and
secondary author. The successful candidate will take an active role in all
aspects of the research of the NMR Centre and will strive to ensure that he/she
becomes recognized as a leader in the field of Environmental NMR spectroscopy.

The candidate will also be involved in undergraduate thesis supervision in the
Department's chemistry program and will be encouraged to apply to instruct one
course in the undergraduate chemistry program on a yearly basis. The candidate
will also oversee the operation/maintenance of a teaching/research Departmental
NMR system (Bruker BioSpin 500MHz Avance) and ensure that faculty and students
can acquire high quality data required for the teaching and research programs.
These duties will include the set up of new experiments, training of
students/faculty, maintenance and calibration. Candidates should note that the
departmental NMR system is fully automated (BACS) with a single automatic
tuning and matching probe (ATM) and that the department has only a small number
of users, once running smoothly should require minimal intervention on a daily
basis.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry or related discipline with a very
strong background in NMR spectroscopy and a drive/passion for the development
of NMR spectroscopy. In exceptional circumstances, an established leader in the
field with a MSc degree but more than 10 years of experience may be considered.
In addition, experience with metabolomics, chromatography, mass spectrometry
and working with complex biological and/or environmental systems are a strong
assets. Experience with pulse programming, custom processing of NMR data
(MATLAB, ACD, etc.) and programming/webpage design is also beneficial.
Experience with Bruker instruments is very important and the ideal candidate
will have experience in (or enthusiastic to learn) all areas of NMR including
solutions, HR-MAS, solids and imaging.

Salary will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of
research, a statement of teaching and three letters of reference to:

Rose Jones (Assistant to the Chair)
NMR Scientist Search Committee
Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences
University of Toronto Scarborough
1265 Military Trial
Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4

Email submissions should be sent to: rjones@utsc.utoronto.ca

Unfortunately, applications that are not accompanied by at least three
references cannot be considered.

We will start reviewing applications beginning September 13, 2010, although the
search will remain open until the position is filled.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its
community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group
members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of
sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further
diversification of ideas.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and
permanent residents will be given priority.

Faculty Position in High Field Neuro MRI

Faculty Position in High Field Neuro MRI
The Radiological Sciences Laboratory in the Department of Radiology at Stanford University is searching for a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor in the Non-tenure Line (Research). The major criterion for appointment for faculty in the Non-tenure Line (Research) is evidence of high-level performance as a researcher for whose special knowledge a programmatic need exists.
The broad research program to be served by this position is the high field MRI program at Stanford as it intersects with the neuroscience program at Stanford. We are specifically interested in candidates whose skill set could range from a technology development focus to an application focus, but in all cases, the candidate will be expected to combine the areas of high field MRI and neuroscience. It is expected that the successful candidate will possess PhD degree or combined PhD/MD. The rough estimate for the proposed distribution of efforts is approximately 80% research and 20% teaching.
The Richard M. Lucas Imaging Center at Stanford houses a 7T whole body MRI system which forms the centerpiece of the high field program at Stanford. This system will be upgraded to a next generation GE MR950 platform with fully independent 8-channel parallel transmit technology, in 2011. This advanced technology will co-exist with latest generation research-dedicated GE 3T and 1.5T scanners within the same Lucas center, as well as a 7T GE MR901 animal MRI housed within the small animal imaging facility at Stanford. Stanford has a strong collaborative research relationship with the manufacturer of all of these systems (GE).
Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty. It welcomes nominations of and applications from women and members of minority groups, as well as others who would bring additional dimensions to the university's research, teaching and clinical missions.
Please send curriculum vitae, a brief statement describing your clinical, teaching and research activities and interests, and names of three references to:
Brian Rutt, Ph.D. Professor of Radiology and Search Committee Chair
brutt@stanford.edu 1201 Welch Road
Stanford, CA 94305-5488 USA

Freitag, 20. August 2010

Postdoc Toronto

A postdoctoral position is available for a Canadian Institutes of Health
Research funded project in the laboratory of Professor Voula Kanelis at the
University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). The successful candidate will
investigate the nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) of the sulfonyl urea
receptors (SURs) using biophysical approaches, including NMR spectroscopy. SUR
proteins are ABC transporters that form the regulatory subunits of
ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. We are studying the effects of
disease-causing mutations in the SUR NBDs on their stability, structure, and
interactions with other regions in the SURs and in KATP channels. A Ph.D. in
biochemistry or a related discipline is required. Candidates should have
experience with protein expression and purification and protein NMR
spectroscopy.

Located 30 km west of downtown Toronto, The University of Toronto Mississauga
(www.utm.utoronto.ca) is a campus of the University of Toronto
(www.utoronto.ca), the largest research University in Canada. UTM provides all
of the advantages of research at the University of Toronto, while additionally
providing a smaller, friendly campus environment in a beautiful natural setting
by the Credit river.

Our newly renovated and well-equipped laboratory contains all the equipment
necessary for protein biochemistry and fluorescence spectroscopy. Other
equipment (CD spectrophotometer, isothermal titration calorimeter, differential
scanning calorimeter) is available in the Center for Applied Bioscience and
Biotechnology at the University of Toronto Mississauga. NMR experiments will be
performed primarily on a Varian 600 MHz spectrometer equipped with a cryoprobe
at UTM. We also have access to high-field spectrometers located at the
University of Toronto NMR facility.

Interested applicants should submit their CV, contact information for three
references, and a description of previous research experience to Voula Kanelis
(voula.kanelis@utoronto.ca).
**************************************************
Voula Kanelis
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences
University of Toronto Mississauga
3359 Mississauga Road North
South Building, Room 4042
Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6
PHONE: 905-569-4542
FAX: 905-828-5425
E-MAIL: voula.kanelis@utoronto.ca

Postdoctoral Position "Solution Dynamics of Protein Kinases" in New York

A postdoctoral position to study the solution dynamics and structure
of protein kinases is available on a NIH funded project (REF#:
HS-R-6453-10-08-S). Our group is interested in how static and dynamic
changes of protein structure affect the activity of protein kinases.
We combine X-ray crystallography, NMR and ligand binding kinetics with
collaborative molecular dynamic studies (See e.g. ref 1 and 2). Our
research group is located at Stony Brook University in a highly
interactive environment with the New York Structural Biology Center
and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Varian and Bruker NMR instruments
with 500-700 MHz field strenghts are available on site. As a member of
the New York Structural Biology Center, we have access to 800 MHz and
900 MHz instruments as well as a access to a large pool of NMR
expertise. The location of Stony Brook University within public
transport commuting distance to New York City and the north shore of
Long Island provide a convenient work-life balance and a family
friendly environment.
Interested candidates with a strong background in protein NMR should
email their CV and the names of three references to Markus Seeliger
(markus.seeliger@gmail.com).


1.) Shan, Y., Seeliger, M.A., et al. A conserved
protonation-dependent switch controls drug binding in the Abl kinase.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2009. 106(1): p. 139-44.

2.) Seeliger, M.A., et al., Equally potent inhibition of c-Src and Abl
by compounds that recognize inactive kinase conformations. Cancer Res,
2009. 69(6): p. 2384-92.

*******************************************************
Markus Seelige
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacological Sciences
Stony Brook University Medical School, BST 7-125
Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651
phone: (631) 444-3558 fax: (631) 444-9749
http://www.pharm.stonybrook.edu/seeliger
*******************************************************

1 Postdoc and 1 PhD position MPI Göttingen

1 Postdoc and 1 PhD position in Computational NMR at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry

are available. The aim of the project is to further develop the PALES method (Zweckstetter, Nature Protocols 2008) to predict residual dipolar couplings from a given 3D structure. The project requires experience in C programming. NMR and/or biochemical knowledge is advantageous.

An excellent environment is available for training in the area of biomolecular NMR spectroscopy. The Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, is one of the top research institutes in Germany. The NMR center at the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry houses numerous, state-of-the-art NMR spectrometers from 400 to 900 MHz for both solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. In addition, a fully equipped laboratory for production of recombinant proteins is available.

The Ph.D. position (BAT IIa/2) is limited for two years but can be extended for an additional year. The postdoc position (BAT IIa) is available for three years.

Interested applicants should send a CV and contact information for two references to:

Prof. Dr. Markus Zweckstetter
Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry
Am Fassberg 11, D-37077 Göttingen
Tel.: ++49-551-201-2220
Fax: ++49-551-201-2202
Email: mzwecks@gwdg.de