Dear Colleagues
Please, find below the description of post-doctoral position atInstituto de
Tecnologia Química e Biológica (ITQB) Oeiras, Portugal which may be of
interest to you:
Job Link http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=27229 <http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=27229>
*Job Summary:*
The Structural Genomics Lab at the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica
(ITQB) Oeiras Portugal, seeks to recruit a post-doctoral scientist
in structural biology to join our team working on the research project entitled
"Pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus LANA" (Ref No HMSP-ICT/0021/2010)
within the Harvard Medical School - Portugal Program and funded by the Fundação
para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).
*Closing date:*31st January 2012
*Work Plan*
The project will investigate proteins involved in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's
sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV or HHV8) to facilitate the
rational development of strategies for prevention and treatment of tumours
associated with this virus. KSHV has an etiologic role in
Kaposi´s sarcoma, the leading AIDS malignancy and in certain lymphomas. KSHV
latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA or ORF73) is
central to latent virus infection and, therefore, tumour cell viability.
Herpes viruses are a leading cause of human viral disease, second only to
influenza and cold viruses. A hallmark of herpesvirus infection is
the establishment of lifelong latency in the host. During latency the viral
genome persists in the cell nucleus as a multicopy episome
(plasmid) and only a small fraction of viral genes are expressed. The latent
phase of infection is associated with the different
malignancies caused by the gamma-herpesviruses. Our research is directed
towards solving the structure of several herpesvirus
proteins which are central to oncogenic processes caused by latent infection
with gamma-herpesviruses; they contribute indirectly to
tumourigenesis by maintaining the viral latent state and directly by
deregulating cellular growth pathways.
A number of proteins are available in the laboratory to characterise and to
determine their structure and substrate
specificity. The laboratory is integrated into the Macromolecular
Crystallography Unit at ITQB with access to modern in-house X-ray
equipment (Rigaku Proteum X8 system with Pt 135 CCD detector), Cartesian
MiniBee and Oryx 6 nanodrop crystallisation robots,
biophysical instrumentation (Thermofluor, surface plasmon resonance and dynamic
light scattering), and AKTA protein purifications
systems.
The successful applicant should hold a PhD degree in biochemistry, virology,
structural biology or a related discipline and have
familiarity with protein purification and characterization of DNA binding
proteins.
*Desired Experience*
The position requires expertise in protein production and purification using E.
coli expression systems. Experience in methods relating to
protein characterisation is essential, e.g., DLS, Biacore or Thermofluor. A
background in structural biology methods including
crystallisation and data collection would be advantageous.
You must be willing to travel to synchrotron facilities to assist with X-ray
data collection and be able to learn new techniques in a
concise and skilled manner. The successful candidate must have a creative
approach to problem solving with the ability to develop and
apply new techniques to their research. You must also have an enthusiastic
approach to research complemented by excellent
organisational skills.
For more information on our research and projects, please visit our website:
*http://mx.itqb.unl.pt/structuralgenomics/research*
*Application Period:*from 27^th December 2011 to 31^st January 2012,
with the position available from 1st March 2012.
To apply please send your application by email to both Dr. Colin McVey
([email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>) and Prof. Maria Arménia
Carrondo ([email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>).
/Dr. Colin E. McVey /Prof. Maria Arménia Carrondo
/Job Ref: 129/BI-BPD/2011 //Job Ref: 129/BI-BPD/2011/
/ITQB-UNL //ITQB-UNL/
/Structural Genomics Laboratory //Structural Genomics Laboratory/
/Avenida da República (EAN) /Av. da República (EAN)
/2780-157 OEIRAS /2780-157OEIRAS
/Portugal //Portugal /http://mx.itqb.unl.pt/colin_mcvey/
//
best regards,
Colin
--
*Colin E. McVey, DPhil*
Auxilliary Researcher
Structural Genomics Lab
Macromolecular Crystallography Unit
Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica
Av. da Republica, EAN | Phone:(351)214469663
Apartado 127 | Fax :(351)214433644
2781-901 Oeiras | email:[email protected]
PORTUGAL
