Ph.D. and Postdoc positions in Structural Biology Several research positions in Structural Biology are available at Ruhr-University Bochum at the Ph.D. and Postdoc level in the groups of Eckhard Hofmann and Clemens Steegborn. The laboratories are located at Ruhr-University Bochum and offer state-of-the art equipment and facilities and a stimulating environment for research in structural biology. For details on the research focus of the labs please see below. Applications (including CV, research experience, and at least two names and contact information for references) should be sent, preferably per email as PDF attachment, to either <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected] or <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected].
Please indicate in your cover letter whether you wish to apply to one specific lab or for a position in either group. Evaluation of applications will start by February 9th. Steegborn lab Research in the Steegborn laboratory is focused on understanding the molecular signaling mechanisms involved in aging processes and disease, and how to modulate these processes with drugs. In particular, we study the ROS-activated mitochondrial apoptosis initiator p66shc and the Sirtuin family of metabolic sensors with emphasis on mitochondrial family members. A second focus is the metabolic sensor 'soluble adenylyl cyclase' and the cyclic nucleotide signaling network it forms with guanylyl cyclases and their counterparts, phosphodiesterases. We use protein crystallography, combined with biochemical and enzymological methods and bioinformatics approaches, to obtain a detailed, molecular understanding of these interconnected signaling systems and to exploit our findings for the development of specific modulators. We are now looking for a Postdoc with experience in protein x-ray crystallography to join our team studying cyclic nucleotide signaling mechanisms (see, e.g., PNAS 105, 15720-5; J. Med. Chem. 51, 4456-64; NSMB 12, 32-7); exceptional candidates for a Ph.D. student position might also be considered. Crystals and diffraction data set are already available for some projects. Our laboratory is located at the Medical School of Ruhr-University Bochum which harbours outstanding research groups and facilities. The group strongly interacts with Eckhard Hofmann's group, sharing crystallography equipment and holding joint seminars, and is further associated with the Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund giving us access to state-of the art x-ray facilities and synchrotron beamlines. Our lab offers excellent research opportunities and a stimulating environment for research in Structural Biology. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated Ph.D. with an interest in medically relevant questions. Experience in protein purification & crystallization and x-ray structure analysis is ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY. Additional experience in molecular biology would be an asset. Hofmann lab One focus in our lab is the study of the role of carotenoids in the process of light harvesting. This includes structural work on integral membrane and soluble proteins and their genetic and biochemical modification. Another focus is on the functional analysis of membrane transport proteins, especially in the combination of structural and FTIR-spectroscopic methods to better understand the coupling of ATP hydrolysis with the transport process. Our group is well equipped for protein purification and crystallography, including AEKTA FPLC systems, nanodrop crystallization robot, crystal imaging system, rotating anode generator with confocal mirrors and a MAR IP. Frequent access to the SLS and the ESRF is guaranteed. Due to the strong collaboration within the chair of biophysics, the combination of different biophysical techniques is applied to most projects. As we participate in two collaborative research centers (SFB480 and SFB642) we are involved in several ongoing projects with collaborating groups covering different areas such as peroxisome biogenesis, bilin biosynthetic enzymes or bacterial reaction centers. In a collaboration with Dr. Stephan Pollmann (Plant Physiology, Ruhr-University Bochum) our work focuses on enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of plant wound hormones, such as 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid and jasmonic acid (see e.g. Hofmann et al. Plant Cell 18, 3201-3217, Schaller et al. FEBS J. 275, 2428-2441, Hofmann & Pollmann Plant.Phys.Biochem. 46, 302-308). Two DFG-funded doctoral positions are available in our groups: The candidate in the Hofmann group will focus on the structural investigation of the enzymes and site specific mutants, while the candidate in the Pollmann group will mainly cover genetic (transgenic plants) and analytic aspects (HPLC, GC-MS) of the project. Both candidates are expected to closely interact. In addition a position on the postdoctoral level is available. The candidate will be involved in several projects with external groups. In some of these projects crystals are readily available. Further information can be found at our websites: Steegborn lab: http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/physiolchem/steegborn/ Hofmann lab: http://www.bioxtal.rub.de/
