http://www.mpibpc.mpg.de/9150561/20-12
Ph. D. Position Job offer from July 06, 2012 The Research Groups “Nucleic Acid Chemistry” (Dr. Claudia Höbartner) and “Macromolecular crystallography” (Dr. Vladimir Pena) at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry invite applications for a *Ph.D. Position (Code Number 20-12) Project title: Structural and mechanistic studies of catalytic DNA* In addition to protein and RNA catalysts, DNA molecules termed deoxyribozymes have the ability to catalyse chemical transformations. Despite the practical applications of the deoxyribozymes as chemical tools, the catalytic mechanism is poorly understood mainly because no high-resolution structures of catalytically active DNA are available. This project provides the unique opportunity to answer the fundamental question how DNA catalysis is possible. A decisive technical goal of the proposed investigation is the crystal structure determination of a DNA catalyst in complex with the RNA substrate by means of X-ray crystallography. The atomic structure will be further complemented with detailed biochemical experiments intended to dissect and reveal the reaction mechanism. The successful candidate should have a Master or equivalent degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology. The position is available immediately and applications will be screened until the position is filled. The successful candidate will be awarded a Max Planck Fellowship. The Max Planck Society is trying to increase the percentage of women on its scientific staff and strongly encourages applications from qualified women. Please send your application including CV, copies of high school and university certificates, publications/manuscripts (if applicable) and address details of two referees *with reference to the code number* *20-12 via e-mail to* *[email protected]* Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry Dr. Claudia Höbartner Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen Germany For more information have a look to our web pages: http://www.mpibpc.mpg.de/home/pena/Research/index.html http://www.mpibpc.mpg.de/english/research/ags/hoebartner/index.html http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/sh/56870.html
