Postdoctoral Position in Membrane Protein Crystallography A postdoctoral position in membrane protein crystallography is available at the Center of Membrane Biology at the University of Virginia. The position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Jochen Zimmer who studies the membrane translocation of biopolymers, with a special interest in polysaccharide biosynthesis.
Polysaccharides are among nature's most abundant and hydrophilic polymers and are essential for numerous cellular functions, such as energy storage, cell adhesion and migration, and cellular stability. Extracellular polysaccharides are generally synthesized inside the cell and are translocated to the outside during their synthesis. The position available is part of a group studying the biosynthesis of hyaluronan. The successful candidate will join a dynamic group that uses the tools of molecular biology to study fundamental processes in biology. The available project has already been established in terms of protein expression and purification, functional reconstitution in vitro, and preliminary crystallization. Initially, the project will focus on optimization of expression and purification of integral membrane proteins and protein-complexes for structural studies, which will be followed by crystallization experiments and electron microscopy analysis. Our laboratory is part of the Centre of Membrane Biology at the University of Virginia which serves as a site for state-of-the-art expertise in electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, SAXS, and NMR & EPR spectroscopy, all of which are readily accessible to the highly motivated fellow. The competitive candidate must have a Ph.D. or equivalent, have extensive experience in cloning and protein expression & purification, and should have a basic knowledge of protein crystallography. The ability to function independently yet work well with a diverse group of scientists and students is a must. For further information please visit http://people.virginia.edu/~jz3x/. Applications, including a current CV, a cover letter stating why you are qualified for this position, and the names and contact information of 3 references, can be sent directly to jochen_zim...@virginia.edu. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. UVa is one of the best public Universities in the US. It is located in Charlottesville/Virginia which offers reasonable housing cost and a vibrant cultural life. Charlottesville is conveniently located close to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Washington DC and Baltimore. Visit http://www.charlottesvilletourism.org/ for further information. ================================ Jochen Zimmer, D.Phil Assistant Professor Dept. of Mol. Physiology & Biol. Physics University of Virginia Snyder Bldg. #360 / 362 480 Ray C Hunt Dr. Charlottesville, VA 22908 jochen_zim...@virginia.edu Phone: 434 243 6506
