Three Post-doctoral Scholarships (2 years) in Protein Biophysics
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The Chemical Biological Center (KBC, www.kbc.umu.se) at Umeå University is a creative and interactive environment, comprising six departments. The Chemistry department belongs to KBC and is the host to a critical mass of protein chemistry researchers. Together these researchers form a strong research environment in which a range of biochemical and biophysical methods are used to study protein properties and reaction mechanisms at the molecular level. There is an excellent infrastructure available for protein research within Chemistry and KBC, such as high-field NMR instruments, in-house X-ray, various biophysical and spectroscopic equipments as well as all possibilities for molecular biology and protein engineering. To further strengthen the protein biophysics research, three of the PIs are seeking applicants for post-doctoral fellowships within the following projects:
One post-doctoral research fellow specializing in proteins involved in metal transport, dnr 223-858-13
The overall research theme within Wittung-Stafshede’s research group has for many years centered on the role of metals in protein folding. Currently, the focus is on the role of macromolecular crowding in folding, amyloid formation, and mechanisms of metal transport to metalloproteins. The new postdoc will likely be involved in the metal-transport protein projects; including copper-, zinc- and manganese-transporting proteins. The Wittung-Stafshede group is working with domains of copper P1B-type ATPases and corresponding copper chaperones. The new postdoc fellow will continue along this line but also expand to transport systems for other metals. For all studies a battery of biophysical methods are used, such as circular dichroism, fluorescence, stopped-flow mixing, NMR, calorimetry, all in combination with protein engineering. We intend to add on biological activity assays for the proteins in the future. There are many potential directions for the project and it is desired that the applicant will have his/her own proposals.
The applicant should have a solid scientific background in protein biophysics and biochemistry. Practical and theoretical knowledge of protein expression and purification, as well as of spectroscopic and calorimetric detection methods, are required. It is of added merit to have hands on experience of metal transport proteins and/or membrane proteins.
For further information, contact Professor Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, e-mail: pernilla.wittung@chem.umu.se
One post-doctoral research fellow for structure-function studies of membrane proteins involved in apoptosis, dnr 223-859-13
In this area, our main research goal is to understand the function of biological membranes - ranging from the lipid matrix to membrane proteins and lipid/protein assemblies by providing an atomic-level structural insight into their molecular organization. For this purpose we use a range of biophysical/biochemical approaches with the focus on solid state NMR spectroscopy of lipid/protein assemblies. In particular we study Bcl-2 proteins involved in mitochondrial apoptosis (programmed cell death). By applying advanced solid state NMR methods the aim is to provide structural insight into the molecular mechanism by which the pro-survival membrane protein Bcl-2 and the apoptotic Bax protein interact at the mitochondrial membrane system and decide the fate of a cell. The new post-doc will primarily be involved in the determination of the structure of the membrane-bound Bcl-2 protein and its structural changes upon inhibition by the Bax protein; a project which will also include functional studies of the influence from oxidized lipids (as produced under oxidative stress) on the Bcl-2 structure. The lab offer full access to an excellent research infrastructure within the KBC environment (www.kbc.umu.se) with access to a state-of-the-art solid state/liquid 850 MHz NMR instrument.
The applicant should have a solid scientific background in the area of structural determination of proteins by solid (preferred) or liquid state NMR. Additional, knowledge within the areas of membrane and protein biophysics, protein expression and basic biophysical and spectroscopic methods, is highly preferable.
For further information, contact Professor Gerhard Gröbner, e-mail: gerhard.grobner@chem.umu.se
One post-doctoral research fellow specializing on protein NMR, dnr 223-860-13
The Wolf-Watz lab is focused on understanding macromolecular recognition at the level of microscopic mechanisms, kinetics and thermodynamics. All specific projects are aimed at understanding the biological function of selected proteins on a molecular and mechanistic level. In common for our projects is that we have established biological activity assays that are used to integrate biophysical observations with protein function.
Topic 1: Enzyme dynamics and its influence on catalysis. We are using two model systems in our research; adenylate kinase and a second kinase that is acting on a small-molecule substrate.
Topic 2: Structure and dynamics of key proteins in the virulence of the pathogenic bacterium Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This project is occurring at the interface between biophysics and molecular biology.
Topic 3: Interactions between chaperones and client proteins. Here we are investigating the detailed mechanisms of client binding by the DnaJ and DnaK systems. We are also interested in more specific chaperones that are of functional importance.
The primary methodology in the lab is solution state NMR spectroscopy but we also use many other biophysical techniques, activity assays and protein engineering methods. The NMR facility at the department meets the highest standards and we are using 500, 600 and 850 MHz spectrometers in our research. All spectrometers were recently upgraded and the 850 MHz instrument is brand new. The topic of the scholarship will depend on the interest and background of the successful candidate. The applicant must have documented skills in solution state NMR applied to proteins or other biological macromolecules. Extensive practical knowledge in protein expression, purification and mutagenesis is required. The applicant should have a strong track record in protein biochemistry or biophysics.
For further information, contact Assoc. Prof. Magnus Wolf-Watz, e-mail:
magnus.wolf-watz@chem.umu.se
Common for all fellowships is the demand that successful candidates must have a PhD exam (or equivalent) which is, preferentially, not more than three years old. Successful candidates must also have the capability of co-operative scientific research work, and skills in writing scientific publications and reports in English. Very good command of the English language, both written and spoken, is required.
All fellowships are for two years and will start in the late 2013, or at a date decided in agreement between the two parties.
A complete application should be written in Swedish or English and include: (i) a cover letter summarizing your qualifications, research interests and motives for applying, (ii) a Curriculum Vitae with a publication list, (iii) copies of relevant publications, (iv) copies of exam certificates, and (v) the names and contact details of 3 references.
The application can be made electronically (MS Word or PDF) or in paper format (two copies).
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.
Should you wish to apply for more than one of the scholarships, separate applications need to be submitted.
Your application, marked with the dnr number for the scholarship you apply for, should be sent to medel@diarie.umu.se (state the dnr number as subject) or to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden, to arrive September 16, 2013 at the latest.
We look forward to receiving your application!