Post-doc position in structural biology at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
An enthusiastic and dedicated individual is sought for a 2 year BBSRC-funded project that will explore the potential of ab initio protein models for X-ray crystal structure solution by Molecular Replacement. Recent high-profile advances in ab initio modeling have generally employed large scale computing resources. Nevertheless, we have shown (Rigden et al. (2008), Acta Cryst. D64, 1288) that appropriate processing and combination into ensembles of main-chain only models, generated on PCs, can produce search models that successfully solve structures. This project will test automated procedures for generating ranked search models from the results of ab initio modeling, principally by locally installed ROSETTA. The method will also be extended to the use of ab initio models for individual domains in multi-domain proteins. The resulting processes will be incorporated into the MR pipeline MrBUMP for eventual distribution as part of the CCP4 crystallography software package. You should have a PhD in Bioinformatics or a relevant discipline; experience of protein structure modeling and/or protein crystallography is highly desirable. In-depth knowledge of an appropriate scripting language eg Python and the ability to deal with large amounts of data are essential. You will generate protein models for a series of chosen test cases, cluster and process them, then systematically analyse the success of MR using PHASER or other software. You will participate in manuscript preparation. Full details and instructions on how to apply are here http://www.liv.ac.uk/working/job_vacancies/research/R-572008.htm Informal enquiries may be made to me. -- Dr Daniel John Rigden Tel:(+44) 151 795 4467 School of Biological Sciences FAX:(+44) 151 795 4406 Room 101, Biosciences Building University of Liverpool http://pcwww.liv.ac.uk/~drigden/ Crown St., Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K.