[ccp4bb] Experience with Biomek 2000 liquid-handling system
Dear all, does anyone have experience in using a Biomek 2000 liquid-handling system for preparing screens? How does it perform with viscous solutions - e.g. PEGs? How difficult / time consuming are programming and maintenance? Your help is highly appreciated. Toni Meinhart
[ccp4bb] Postdoctoral and Ph.D. opportunities at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg
Postdoctoral Position and PhD positions in Structural Biology at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg. The Meinhart lab in the Department of Biomolecular Mechanisms seeks to recruit outstanding postdoctoral scientists and PhD students with experience and/or interest in mechanistic studies of either RNA processing machines (maturation of RNA 3’-ends) or macromolecular complexes that lead to programmed cell death and virulence in pathogenic bacteria (by poisoning bacterial cell wall synthesis). Depending on previous experience and scientific interest, successful candidates will contribute to the analysis of these macromolecular assemblies using structural (X-ray crystallography), biophysical / biochemical methods (fluorescence-based assays, isothermal titration calorimetry, analytical ultracentrifucation, etc.) and molecular biology (in vivo validation of structure-based functional hypotheses). The position provides the opportunity for broad training in protein expression, crystallization using high-throughput pipelines, kinetics, spectroscopy, genetics, and molecular biology. For more information, please check the laboratory website (http://www.mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de/groups/rna_processing). The Meinhart lab is embedded in the Department of Biomolecular Mechnisms offering a unique, multi-disciplinary and international environment allowing to develop an multifaceted research experience which provides an ideal starting-point for a successful scientific career (for further information see: http://www.mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de/departments/biomolecular_mechanisms). Heidelberg is one of the top centers for biomedical research in Germany, and graduate students will have access to several different Ph.D. programs. Applicants for postdoctoral positions should possess/ expect to obtain a PhD in natural sciences and have at least one peer-reviewed publication as a first author. They should have experience in aspects of a structural biology pipeline, for example protein production and purification, X-ray crystallography etc. Past experience with complementary biophysical techniques (ITC, AUC, CD etc.) and molecular biology is desirable. Please send CV, a brief summary of research experience and interest, contact address of three referees to bmm.recruitm...@mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de referring to “AM_Recruitment_2012#1” Applicants for PhD positions should have completed their master in natural sciences and have background in biochemistry, structural biology or molecular biology. Experience with X-ray crystallography is not required but a dedication to biophysics and structural biology techniques is desirable. Please send CV, brief summary of previous research experience and contact address of two referees to bmm.recruitm...@mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de referring to “AM_Recruitment_2012#2” Applications will be considered until the positions are filled. Best regards, Anton Meinhart _ Dr. Anton Meinhart Department of Biomolecular Mechanisms Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research Jahnstraße 29 69120 Heidelberg GERMANY phone + 49 6221 / 486505 e-mail: anton.meinh...@mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de
[ccp4bb] Postdoctoral Positions in Protein Crystallography at the MPI, Heidelberg, Germany
Two POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONs to study macromolecular complexes and signaling are open at the Department of Biomolecular Mechanisms at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg. The highly interdisciplinary department focuses on understanding reaction mechanisms using crystallographic analysis of reaction intermediates with a strong emphasis in physical biochemistry. Detailed information can be found at: http://wbmm.mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de Project 1: Macromolecular complexes in RNA maturation Posttranscriptional RNA processing is accomplished by a huge macromolecular complex, the cleavage / polyadenylation machinery, which harbors several enzymatic activities such as RNA cleavage and RNA polyadenylation activities. Regulation of this machine is required for proper and the incorporated enzymes are triggered by their interacting partners. We study the assembly pathway and the architecture of the Cleavage Factor I from yeast and its mammalian homologues, a stable and rigid subcomplex of the cleavage / polyadenylation machinery. In particular, we are interested in how the 5’-kinase Clp1 is switched on and off within the large macromolecular machine. Project 2: Blue light regulated photo-receptors Photo-receptors are light sensitive switches that exist in ON and OFF states that (in)activate associated effectors via a structural change. Like for every mechanical device, knowledge of its architecture and the changes occurring during function helps to understand and to rationally modify the switch. We are studying light-dependent phosphodiesterases, cyclases and transcription factors biochemically and structurally. Future applications of these systems for cellular or neurobiological applications are intended. The projects are at various experimental stages, so that the successful candidate can start productive work immediately. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong background in X-ray crystallography who can interact collaboratively among a variety of disciplines. The successful candidates must have at least one first-author publication describing a de-novo structure determination. Experience with eukaryotic cell culture is advantageous. We offer a highly stimulating interdisciplinary and international research environment, excellent working conditions and facilities, including regular access to synchrotrons. The positions are initially for two years, but have longer term perspective, given excellent performance. There are possibilities to join other ongoing exciting structural projects of high scientific impact. To apply, please send a CV including a brief description of your research/scientific interests, a list of publications, a copy of the most relevant publication, and names and email addresses of two referees either as email attachments to bmm.recruitm...@mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de <mailto:recruitm...@mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de>, indicating the keyword REC2010 in the subject line. Informal enquiries may be sent to Anton Meinhart (anton.meinh...@mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de <mailto:anton.meinh...@mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de>) for project 1 Ilme Schlichting (ilme.schlicht...@mpimf-heidelberg.mgp.de <mailto:ilme.schlicht...@mpimf-heidelberg.mgp.de>) for project 2 Deadline for applications is April 15 th, 2010, desired starting date is as soon as possible.
