January 2020 - phenixbb - phenix-online.org

RapiData 2020 applications open
by Smith, Clyde 16 Nov '21

16 Nov '21

Applications are now open for the 2020 edition of RapiData at SSRL. RapiData is a practical course in macromolecular X-ray diffraction data collection, data processing and structure solution. The aim of the RapiData course is to educate and train young scientists in data collection and processing methods at synchrotron beamlines, using state-of-the-art software and instrumentation. The course will be held in sunny California at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) located on the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory campus in Menlo Park, CA, from March 30 - April 4 2020. Course organizers for 2020 are Silvia Russi, Clyde Smith and Jeney Wierman. The course will comprise hands-on experiments at the SSRL beamlines, software tutorials, and lectures on the following topics: Specimen preparation, Data collection strategies, X-ray light sources, X-ray detectors, Data reduction, Structure solution by MAD, SAD and Molecular Replacement, Complementary methods (spectroscopy and small angle scattering). Please visit http://smb.slac.stanford.edu/news/rapidata/rapidata-2020/ and use the links on the "registration" page to apply for the course. The application deadline is November 10 2019. Successful applicants will be notified shortly thereafter, and invited to register and book accommodation at the SLAC Guesthouse at that time. A limited amount of travel support funding may be available. Please direct questions to Silvia Russi (srussi(a)slac.stanford.edu), Jeney Wierman (jwierman(a)slac.stanford.edu) or Clyde Smith (csmith(a)slac.stanford.edu).

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13th CCP4/APS Crystallographic School in the US
by Xu, Qingping 24 Jun '20

24 Jun '20

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the 13th annual CCP4/APS crystallographic school “From data collection to structure refinement and beyond” will be held on June 15-22, 2020 at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), near Chicago, Illinois, USA. All details can be found at the school website: http://www.ccp4.ac.uk/schools/APS-2020/index.php. Dates: June 15 through 22, 2020 Location: Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne (Near Chicago), Illinois, USA The school comprises two parts: data collection workshop and crystallographic computing workshop. Data collection workshop includes beamline training, data collection on GM/CA@APS beamlines 23ID-D and 23ID-B equipped with Pilatus3 6M and Eiger 16M detectors respectively, and data processing. For data collection, only the participants' crystals will be used. Crystallographic computation workshop will feature many modern crystallographic software packages taught by authors and other experts. The daily schedule will be organized in three sections – lectures, tutorials, and hands-on (interactive trouble-shooting of the technical difficulties the participants face in their projects). We have had considerable success resolving these problems in past years, attested by resulting publications (see http://www.ccp4.ac.uk/schools/APS-school/publications.php). A sample program, contact info and other details can be found at the School website. Applicants: Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and early-career faculty, along with commercial/industrial researchers are encouraged to apply. Only about 20 applicants will be selected for participation. Participants of the workshop are strongly encouraged to bring their own problem data sets or crystals so the problems can be addressed during data collection and/or computation workshops. Application: Application deadline is April 1th, 2020. To apply, visit https://www.ccp4.ac.uk/schools/APS-2020/application.php<https://www.ccp4.ac.uk/schools/APS-2019/application.php>. Fees: The registration for application is free but there is $500 participation fee for the selected academic students and $950 for industrial researchers. A valid credit card is required for registration, however, it will be charged only for students selected to participate. The students will be responsible for their transportation and lodging. The workshop organizers can assist in making lodging reservations at the Argonne Guest House. The workshop will cover all other expenses (including meals). We hope to see you at the school. Charles, Garib and Qingping

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EMBO meeting on “Molecular Neurobiology” 8-12 May 2020
by Janssen, B.J.C. (Bert) 18 Feb '20

18 Feb '20

Dear all, We would like to draw your attention to the EMBO workshop on "Molecular Neurobiology", taking place on the beautiful island of Crete on 8-12 May 2020. The meeting brings together world leading scientists, group leaders and young researchers with a keen interest in the latest science occurring at the interfaces of structural biology, biophysics, molecular & cellular imaging and neuroscience. Given its cross-disciplinary nature, the meeting presents a broad overview of molecular neurobiology, ample opportunities for discussions and a sneak peek into the latest developments. See http://meetings.embo.org/event/20-molneuro for more information and application guidelines, registration deadline is 15 Feb. 2020. Organizers: Alain Chédotal, Institut de la Vision, France Bert Janssen, Utrecht University, the Netherlands Chenghua Gu, Harvard University, USA Elena Seiradake, University of Oxford, UK Nektarios Tavernarakis, IMBB FORTH, Greece Best wishes Bert Bert Janssen Bijvoet Center for biomolecular research Utrecht University Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht

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A tool to build ordered water into cryo-EM maps
by Pavel Afonine 01 Feb '20

01 Feb '20

Hi, a quick announcement.. Phenix versions dev-3765 and newer now have a new tool to build ordered water into cryo-EM maps, command line only for the moment. To get latest version: http://phenix-online.org/download/nightly_builds.cgi Use example: phenix.douse model.pdb map.mrc Some background: http://phenix-online.org/presentations/water.pdf This is still work in progress. Any feedback is very much appreciated! Happy Friday, Pavel

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Understanding Biology Through Structure, Santa Fe March 16-20
by Tom Terwilliger 28 Jan '20

28 Jan '20

Hi Structural Biology colleagues! Registration is still open for Understanding Biology through Structure 2020 (https://cvent.me/4kq9P March 16-20, 2020 in Santa Fe, NM). Poster abstracts can be submitted through Feb. 16. The conference is a forum where students, postdocs and established researchers can meet each other and discuss the latest methods and results. There will be an opportunity for all participants to present posters. Registration for the meeting is limited to 120. Speakers include Ilme Schlichting,Yvonne Jones, Hao Wu, Tom Terwilliger, Peijun Zhang, Christopher Russo, Claudio Ciferri, David Stuart, Blake Wiedenheft, Ci Ji Lim, Robert Stroud, Wayne Hendrickson, Bonnie Murphy, Anne Houdusse-Juille, Sonja Lonrenz, Chris Hill, Chun-wa Chung, Jian Payandeh, Amit Sharma, Marissa Matsumoto, Suzanne Scarlata, Osamu Nureki, Natalia Jura, Erica Ollmann Saphire, Eva Nogales, Andrej Sali, Anke Bill, Joanna Sulkowska, David Eisenberg, Marie Pancera, Karla Satchell, Jacques Philippe Colletier, Christopher Neale, and Tom Blundell. A Phenix crystallography/cryo-EM workshop will be held after the last day of the meeting (workshop is March 20). This is a great chance to ask questions about your own data. Sign up when you register for the meeting. All the best, Tom T -- Thomas C Terwilliger Laboratory Fellow, Los Alamos National Laboratory Senior Scientist, New Mexico Consortium 100 Entrada Dr, Los Alamos, NM 87544 Email: tterwilliger(a)newmexicoconsortium.org Tel: 505-431-0010

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Error message when adding ions
by ahmed 24 Jan '20

24 Jan '20

Dear Phenix community, I was wondering whether you experienced previously this problem. I'm running the 1.17.1-3600 version under ubuntu 16. when I do refinment and try to add ions an error message appear : out = cStringIO.StringIO()NameError: global name 'cStringIO' is not definedCAUGHT EXCEPTION: (argument #559)ARGUMENT LEADING TO EXCEPTION: 6099Traceback (most recent cell last):File "usr/local/phenix-1.17.1-3600/modules/cctbx_project/libtbx/easy_mp.py", line 181, in_call_result = 0.func(arg)File "usr/local/phenix-1.17.1-3600/modules/cctbx_project/libtbx/ions/identify.py", line 1435, in_call_out = cStringIO.StringIO()NameError: global name 'cStringIO' is not defined Thanks for your help. RegardsAhmed

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Phenix Postdoc Position - Berkeley, California
by Paul Adams 23 Jan '20

23 Jan '20

Postdoctoral Researcher Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Job ID: 89267 Division: Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging (Computational Crystallography Initiative) Date Opened: 12/23/2019 Summary: Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher. In this role you will develop new computational methods for the structure determination and refinement of protein structures using the PHENIX software system. Primary duties and responsibilities will include development and implementation of numerical methods and new computational protocols, including the application of machine learning methods. The Phenix software is used worldwide for the determination of atomic structures using X-ray and neutron crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The software is developed as part of an international collaboration supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Phenix Industrial Consortium. To apply visit - https://lbl.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=89267 Duties: • Development and implementation of computational algorithms for structure determination using crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy including: improved methods for the optimization of models and automated detection of model heterogeneity. • Application of machine learning methods to problems in crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. • Develop and test new components of the PHENIX software system in collaboration with others • Document software developments. • Collaborate with other researchers in the PHENIX program. • Interact with P.I.s, other postdocs, scientists and external collaborators involved in the PHENIX project. • Publication of research results in scientific journals and presentation of results at scientific meetings. Additional Responsibilities as needed: • Participate in workshop and tutorials to educate researchers in the use of Phenix • Actively participate in writing progress reports What is Required: • Ph.D. in computational crystallography, computational cryo-electron microscopy, computational biology, bioinformatics, computational chemistry or a related field • Demonstrated experience in developing computational algorithms for solving problems • Demonstrated experience with computational methods development • Publications in macromolecular crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy or closely related fields • Familiarity with Python, C++ and other software development tools • Good programming and mathematical skills • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment Additional Desired Qualifications: • Familiarity with macromolecular structure or computational chemistry. • Experience with the practical aspects of crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy. The posting shall remain open until the position is filled. Notes: • This is a full time, 2 year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree. • Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. • This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. • Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. • This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment. • Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Learn About Berkeley Lab: Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here. Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law. -- Paul Adams Division Director, Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging, LBL (http://biosciences.lbl.gov/divisions/mbib) Principal Investigator, Computational Crystallography Initiative, LBL (http://cci.lbl.gov) Vice President for Technology, the Joint BioEnergy Institute (http://www.jbei.org) Principal Investigator, ALS-ENABLE, Advanced Light Source (http://als-enable.lbl.gov) Division Deputy for Biosciences, Advanced Light Source (https://als.lbl.gov) Laboratory Research Manager, ENIGMA Science Focus Area (http://enigma.lbl.gov) Adjunct Professor, Department of Bioengineering, U.C. Berkeley (http://bioeng.berkeley.edu) Adjunct Professor, Comparative Biochemistry, U.C. Berkeley (http://compbiochem.berkeley.edu) Building 33, Room 347 Building 978, Room 4126 Building 977, Room 180C Tel: 1-510-486-4225 http://cci.lbl.gov/paul Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road BLDG 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. Executive Assistant: Ashley Dawn [ ashleydawn(a)lbl.gov ][ 1-510-486-5455 ] --

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Postdoc position in methods development at LBNL
by Dorothee Liebschner 23 Jan '20

23 Jan '20

Announcing a postdoc position on behalf of Dr. Kanupriya Pande: ======================================================================== Post-doc position in computational methods development in the Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging division at LBL. The overall objectives of the project are to develop theory and computation to extract conformational heterogeneity and disorder from diffraction and imaging data. The position is available immediately with an initial appointment for 2 years with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. Qualified candidates must have a PhD in Biophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, or related fields. https://lbl.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/computational-biologist-postdoc-… ======================================================================== -- Project Scientist, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road, M/S 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720 Tel: (510) 486-5709 Fax: (510) 486-5909 Web: https://phenix-online.org

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Re: [phenixbb] How critical is ncs operator for real space refinement
by BuddySphinx 22 Jan '20

22 Jan '20

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How critical is ncs operator for real space refinement
by Yangqi Gu 22 Jan '20

22 Jan '20

Dear PHENIX developers, I have a question about NCS operator. Since I have a cryo-EM map and I want to refine my filament coordinates within the map. I generated the coordinate map manually in Chimera by building multiple chains with rigid body refinement. Since I did not generate the NCS operator file (I tried by doing map symmetry, it did not give me the right helical symmetry), I did not refine with ncs restraints. I am wondering in this case, how critical it is to refine a model with helical symmetry applied. Is it a must or can I go with the way I did? Hope to hear from you soon! Best, Yangqi

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Re: [phenixbb] How critical is ncs operator for real space refinement
by BuddySphinx 21 Jan '20

21 Jan '20

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isomorphous Fobs-Fobs maps
by Schulz, Eike-Christian 21 Jan '20

21 Jan '20

Dear all, we have recently tried to calculate isomorphous difference maps with phenix using the GUI. Unfortunately, we found that the results do _not_ seem to produce results that we would expect of a true difference map. Rather the resulting maps appear to show noise. We speculate that this is the result of _not_ scaling the datasets together. - Is this correct ? Applying the "multiscaling method" found in the advanced options changes the result, but it is still inconsistent with what we gain from e.g. the CCP4 procedures. Unfortunately, there is no online documentation to this tool. - Is there a way to scale the data to a reference before calculating the difference maps? - What is the proposed way of using this tool ? - Are there known bugs in the GUI version that are absent in the command line edition? With best regards, Eike

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Open scientist position at the EMBL-Grenoble - Project leader for ID30A/MASSIF-1 beamline upgrade
by Andrew MC CARTHY 13 Jan '20

13 Jan '20

Dear all, We have an open scientist position at the EMBL-Grenoble for a Project leader to oversee our contribution to the upgrade of the fully automated ID30A/MASSIF-1 macromolecular crystallography beamline at the ESRF. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join a team of scientists and engineers from the EMBL and ESRF in developing fully automated data collection protocols to maximise the scientific potential of the ESRF Extremely Brilliant Source upgrade. Closing date: Feb. 7th 2020. Interview date: March 6th, 2020 You can read more about the position and submit your application at: https://www.embl.de/jobs/searchjobs/index.php?ref=GR00139 Best regards, Andrew

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Postdoc position: Computational Algorithms combining Crystallography and WAXS for Drug Discovery
by Grant, Thomas 11 Jan '20

11 Jan '20

Dear PHENIX Community, Please share this notice with potential candidates. A post-doctoral position<https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/21288> is available immediately in the Grant Lab in the Department of Structural Biology at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY, USA. Our group is currently seeking postdoctoral candidates to develop novel computational algorithms combining crystallography and solution scattering to aid in drug discovery. The successful completion of the project will impact many fields from drug discovery and development to basic biological processes. An excellent opportunity for creative, out-of-the-box thinkers who are self-motivated. Candidates will have the opportunity and support to present their research findings at national and international conferences and in high-impact scientific journals. The positions are for an initial term of two years with possibilities for renewal based on performance and available funding. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Minimum Qualifications A PhD degree in structural or computational biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science or related fields. Preferred Qualifications Proficiency in computer programming, in particular Python. Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting research at conferences and in scholarly journals. Background in physics or mathematics is a plus, in particular familiarity with concepts of Fourier transforms and diffraction. Experience with structural biology techniques such as crystallography and solution X-ray scattering is a plus. Apply Interested candidates can apply on the UBJobs website here: https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/21288 -- Thomas D. Grant, Ph.D. Research Assistant Professor Department of Structural Biology Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences<http://medicine.buffalo.edu/> University at Buffalo 955 Main Street, Room 5128 Buffalo, New York 14203 Email: tdgrant(a)buffalo.edu<mailto:[email protected]>

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3 years Postdoc positions Newcastle University, UK Prof. Nikolay Zenkin
by Arnaud Basle 06 Jan '20

06 Jan '20

Dear All, Please see the attached flyer and link below for 3-years postdoc position at Newcastle University. https://jobs.ncl.ac.uk/job/Newcastle-Research-Associate/577339301/ The positions are in Prof. Nikolay Zenkin's laboratory and informal enquiries should be directed to him (Nikolay.Zenkin(a)newcastle.ac.uk). Cheers, Arnaud -- Dr Arnaud Basle X-ray facilities manager Newcastle Structural Biology Laboratory Biosciences Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences Newcastle University Framlington place NE2 4HH Newcastle upon tyne Phone 0191 208 5482

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ISOLDE 1.0b4 released
by Tristan Croll 03 Jan '20

03 Jan '20

Happy new year to all my colleagues in the structural biology community! I'm delighted to announce the release of ISOLDE 1.0b4 to coincide with the stable release of ChimeraX 0.91. What is ISOLDE? ISOLDE is a plugin to UCSF ChimeraX, designed to ease the task of macromolecular model building into low-to-medium resolution maps derived from crystallographic or electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) experiments. Historically, this has been an extremely challenging task, since at low resolutions the maps alone are insufficient to precisely place individual atoms. ISOLDE aims to reduce this challenge in a number of ways: - Rebuilding is accomplished via GPU-accelerated interactive molecular dynamics (using OpenMM and the AMBER molecular dynamics forcefield) to make the task feel as close as possible to what it might be like to work with a real physical molecule. - Geometric validation of protein backbone and sidechain conformations is performed in real time, allowing you to see problem sites directly on the model as you work with it. - Remodelling can be performed by directly tugging on atoms, or via the interactive addition and removal of position, torsion and/or distance restraints - For crystallographic datasets, structure factors are constantly recalculated in the background as the model coordinates change - as the model improves, you see the map improve. For more details, see https://isolde.cimr.cam.ac.uk/. To install it for Linux, MacOS or Windows 10, go to http://preview.cgl.ucsf.edu/chimerax/download.html#release and install the **0.91** release build for your operating system. (IMPORTANT NOTES: this build of ISOLDE will **only** work with version 0.91 of ChimeraX. Additionally, Ubuntu users should use the "Generic Linux" ChimeraX build - the Ubuntu builds use compilers that are not compatible with ISOLDE). Start ChimeraX, go to Tools/More Tools... and follow the links to install ISOLDE. Equivalently, just type "toolshed install isolde" on the ChimeraX command line. You can then start ISOLDE via Tools/General/ISOLDE or the command "isolde start". If this is your first time using it I highly recommend running either or both of the first two tutorials found in the top left of the ISOLDE panel that will appear. A short list of what's new since 1.0b3: - source code for ISOLDE and its "sister" package ChimeraX-Clipper are now on GitHub at https://github.com/tristanic/isolde and https://github.com/tristanic/chimerax-clipper respectively. - integration with ChimeraX session save/restore framework. "save session.cxs" will save a snapshot of all models, maps and strucuture factors including all current ISOLDE restraints, and "load session.cxs" will return you to where you left off. - added new adaptive torsion restraint implementation (a periodic analogue to Geman-McClure distance restraints) to restrain protein torsions to their current geometry or to a reference model. For details, type "usage isolde restrain torsions" on the ChimeraX command line and click the link in the log. - documentation is now integrated with the ChimeraX documentation framework. In particular, "usage {command}" now provides a link to full documentation in the ChimeraX log window. - improved behaviour (speed and stability) of energy minimiser - significantly improved initial startup and simulation start times - clearer indication of simulation state (running/paused) - remote Python interface for communication with other packages - various improvements and bug-fixes to handling of crystallographic data. In particular: better handling of anisotropic datasets, and improved stability of bulk solvent and scaling calculations. - improved performance of live crystallographic map updates. - support for multiple independent sets of adaptive distance restraints (currently only available via the Python API). For example, one set may be used to maintain internal geometry, while another represents crosslinking/mass spec or evolutionary coupling restraints. - "Demo" button on ISOLDE GUI retired and replaced with a "Tutorials" drop-down menu. - added tugging support in ChimeraX VR (thanks to Tom Goddard). ChimeraX currently supports VR only in Windows.

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