*Macromolecular Crystallography, Biophysics and Biochemistry*
Two post-doctoral fellowship positions are available at the University of
Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) located in the greater Houston area in the
research team of Dr. Gabrielle Rudenko. We study molecules that mediate the
formation, maintenance and plasticity of synapses, the contact and
communication point between neurons. Our proteins of interest organize and
regulate protein interaction networks in the synaptic cleft and impact how
neurons communicate with each other at synapses. Many of the proteins we
study are implicated in neurological disease and serve as potential novel
therapeutic targets.
We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic, hard working individuals
who are interested in combining the fields of structural biology and
neuroscience. Research projects involve protein over-expression and
purification, x-ray crystallography, biochemical and biophysical
techniques, proteomics, chemical biology and in collaboration electron
microscopy and NMR.
Our laboratory is joining the endowed Sealy Center for Structural Biology
and Molecular Biophysics and the Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology at
UTMB. The Sealy Center provides access to exceptional facilities, training
and experimental assistance. *X-ray facilities* include a high-brilliance
FR-E Superbright x-ray generator, a Rigaku R-AXIS-IV dual 30cm Imaging
Plate detector, a Bruker SMART 2K CCD and a Rigaku BioSAXS-1000 2D-Kratky
camera (for solution scattering data). *Biophysics facilities* include
equipment for analytical ultracentrifugation, fluorescence, MALDI-TOF mass
spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, surface plasmon resonance,
titration micro-calorimetry, and high throughput screening with the
ThermoFluor HTS apparatus. In addition, the *Electron Microscopy
facilities*house three modern JEOL cryo-electron microscopes (a 200
keV JEOL 2200FS
cryo-EM with in-column electron energy filter and field emission gun, a 200
keV JEOL 2100 EM, and a 120 keV JEM1400 microscope) and the *NMR
facilities*include three NMR spectrometers (Bruker Avance III 800, 750
and 600 MHz
with cryoprobes). See http://www.scsb.utmb.edu/resources/
UTMB is part of the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical
center located in greater Houston. UTMB is situated on Galveston Island
offering a pleasant subtropical climate and miles of relaxing beaches. UTMB
is located within commuting distance of Houston, the fourth largest city in
the United States and a leader in the arts, education, and health care.
*Qualifications:* Applicants should have received a Ph.D. degree in a field
relevant to structural biology in the past three years and have a strong
publication record. Applicants with experience in cloning, bacterial/insect
cell culture, protein purification and crystallization, and macromolecular
structure determination are preferred. However, recent graduates with a
strong background in protein over-expression and purification, and an
exceptional interest in learning crystallography are also encouraged to
apply. Good written and oral communication skills in English are essential
as well as the ability and desire to work as part of a highly motivated,
collaborative team.
To apply please e-mail the following to
*[email protected]*