A post-doctoral position is available in the group of Titia Sixma in Amsterdam
Acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) is a pentameric protein that resembles the ligand-binding domains of cys-loop receptors, a class of ion-channels that include nicotinic Acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), GabaA receptors and 5HT3 serotonin and glycine channels. The crystal structures of the molluscan AChBPs are the established high resolution models for this pharmaceutically important class of receptors. In this project we want to expand the use of AChBPs in different directions. In close collaboration with the groups of Guus Smit and Iwan de Esch at the Free University of Amsterdam we explore novel uses of this class of proteins for drug design. Our group shares a common research infrastructure with the group of Tassos Perrakis and has an interest in structural studies coupled to functional analysis. Equipment includes high throughput crystallization (Tecan, Hydra, Mosquito, Crystal Farm), in-house X-ray facility (MarDTB with Bruker Helios optics), Biacore plasmon resonance, isothermal calorimetry (microCal), static light scattering (Malls), mass spec etc. The groups have regular access to ESRF beamlines through the 'Dutch-Belgian BAG' and access to NMR, SAXS and EM measurements through existing collaborations. Both groups participate in various European collaborative projects which ensures a rich and constant exchange of ideas with top European groups. The Perrakis group encompasses an Arp/Warp development team, giving access to the latest methodologies in X-ray structure determination. The Netherlands Cancer Institute is a center of excellence with a high standard of biological research and an interactive atmosphere. It is located in Amsterdam, with all its cultural amenities, close to Schiphol airport. We are looking for enthousiastic researchers with experience in structural biology and/or ion-channel biochemistry. Applicants should write an e-mail with CV and names of three references to t.sixma.AT.nki.nl Titia Prof. Titia K. Sixma, Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam,The Netherlands Phone: +31-20-5121959/50, Fax: +31-20-5121954, E-mail: t.sixma @ nki.nl , Website: http://xtal.nki.nl
