A postdoctoral position is available immediately at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, to study the structure of giant multifunctional enzymes. The aim of this project is to understand the architectural principles governing substrate transfer and specificity of these enzymes by crystallographic structure determination of intact multi-domain proteins [cf. Science 321:1315(2008), Science 311:1258(2006)]. It offers an opportunity to study some of the most complex biosynthetic assemblies employing state of the art techniques in macromolecular crystallography, and to use complementary techniques to explore the dynamic behavior of these molecules. The IMB provides excellent resources for all aspects of structural biology and a particularly inspiring environment for demanding projects in macromolecular crystallography.
Applicants should have recently obtained their PhD in structural biology. A high degree of motivation and the determination to study a particularly challenging system are a prerequisite for this project. Practical experience in all aspects of macromolecular crystallography from cloning, protein expression and purification to crystallographic data collection and structure determination is required. Familiarity with the crystallization of difficult targets or the experimental phasing of large structures would be a benefit. The position is available immediately and is initially funded for two years by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Zurich is the largest city of Switzerland and offers a very high quality of living. Please submit applications (preferably via e-mail as a single pdf document) including CV, publication list, an outline of previous experience, and e-mail addresses of at least two references to: Dr. Timm Maier ETH Zurich Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics HPK H 5 Schafmattstr. 20 8093 Zurich SWITZERLAND e-mail: [email protected] Informal enquiries via e-mail are welcome.
