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Post-Doctoral Research Associate in X-ray Crystallography or NMR Spectroscopy
Henry Wellcome Building, Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester
We are looking for a structural biologist (NMR or X-ray) to join a
multidisciplinary team of some 8-10 people studying the function of the
cytoskeletal protein talin in integrin-mediated cell adhesion. Talin plays a
central role in connecting integin receptors with the actomyosin contractile
apparatus in the cell. It interacts with a large number of proteins a number of
which regulate the dynamic assembly and dis-assembly of integrin complexes, a
process important in cell migration.
We are using NMR and X-ray crystallography to derive molecular models of talin
complexes, and this information feeds into cell biology experiments designed to
address structure / function relationships in talin. The research associate
will use X-ray and NMR for structural studies on the talin head domain and the
mechanism of talin activation.
The position is suitable for a researcher with a good knowledge of X-ray
crystallography or NMR who wants to participate in a project based on a close
collaboration between cell biology and structural biology laboratories. Domain
identification and characterisation is at a refined state with structural
results from this data expected.
The laboratories are housed in the brand new Henry Wellcome Building. The group
has access to regular synchrotron time at the ESRF, Grenoble. Protein
expression and modern purification equipment is readily available in well
equipped laboratories. The NMR Centre has an 800 (equipped with a CryoProbe),
2x600 (one equipped with a CryoProbe), and a 500 MHz spectrometers.
The successful applicant will hold a PhD, or be close to completing their PhD
studies. Experience with molecular biology, protein expression and purification
is highly desirable. Experience in either X-ray crystallography or NMR is
essential.
For further information contact the project leader Prof David R. Critchley
([EMAIL PROTECTED], tel:+44 (0)116 252 3477) or NMR investigator Dr. Igor
Barsukov ([EMAIL PROTECTED], tel: +44 (0)116 252 3055).
For background information see the department web site
(http://www.le.ac.uk/biochem/) and the relevant recent publications: Barsukov
et al. 2003, J. Biol. Chem., 278, 31202; Papagrigoriou et al. 2004, EMBO J.
23, 2942; Fillingham et al. 2005. Structure, 13, 65; Gingras et al., J. Biol.
Chem., Sep 2005, in press, http://www.jbc.org <http://www.jbc.org/> . For a
review, see Critchley, D.R. (2004) Biochem. Soc. Trans., 32, 831-836
