Crystallization with an automated microfluidic pipeline: from crystal screening to crystal mounting A PhD position, funded by the CEA, is available in the Synchrotron Group at the Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS) at Grenoble, starting in Autumn 2013. IBS is located next to two large European research facilities for X-ray and neutron science: the ILL and the ESRF. The project aims at developing an automated microfluidic pipeline for protein crystallization. The microfluidic chip to be developed will combine the control of temperature and precipitant concentration in a user-friendly setup. It will allow systematic optimization based on the phase diagram, direct in situ X-ray screening and data collection. The pipeline consists of three elements: the microchip for screening, the optimization platform and robotic crystal mounting. This system will be tested with several structure solution projects in which the Synchrotron Group is involved, and where crystal optimization is difficult, including large protein complexes (Cdk cyclins) and membrane proteins. We hope that the new device will help move forward during the course of the thesis on several of these challenging projects. We are looking for an enthusiastic academically qualified biophysicist, physico-chemist or engineer with a strong interest in structural biology and multi-disciplinary problems. Experience in macromolecular crystallization and or crystallography is an advantage. Given the scope of the project and the need for a close collaboration with the other team members as well as with the industrial/external partners excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team of biologists and engineers are prerequisites. More information on the PhD position can be obtained from: Monika Budayova-Spano, PhD Assistant Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Joseph Fourier Synchrotron Group Institut de Biologie Structurale J. P. Ebel CEA-CNRS-UJF UMR 5075 41, Rue Jules Horowitz 38027 Grenoble cedex 1 Tel: + 33 4 38 78 96 13 Fax: + 33 4 38 78 51 22 Email: [email protected] Applications including: a detailed resume, a covering letter explaining the applicant’s motivation for the position, detailed exam results and the name and contact details of at least two references should be sent to [email protected] and to [email protected].
