2 PhD positions in biochemistry/protein crystallography
In a joint project we offer two PhD positions to study the evolution and
mechanism of ferredoxin-dependent bilin reductases. These enzymes from
cyanobacteria are involved in the biosynthesis of the linear
tetrapyrrole chromophore of light harvesting phycobiliproteins. While
one project focuses on the protein crystallography and subsequent
structure determination of recombinant proteins (Hofmann), the second
project will include studies concerning protein-protein interaction,
semi-rational mutagenesis and spectroscopy (Frankenberg-Dinkel). Both
projects furthermore will include a strong collaboration with the
Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion on EPR spectroscopy.
For background reading see:
Busch, A.W.U, Reijerse, E.J., Lubitz, W, Frankenberg-Dinkel, N.*&
Hofmann, E.* (2011) Structural and mechanistic insights into the
ferredoxin-mediated two-electron reduction of bilins. Biochem. J. 439,
264-257. *corresponding authors
Busch, A.W.U, Reijerse, E.J., Lubitz, W, Hofmann, E. &
Frankenberg-Dinkel, N. (2011) Radical mechanism of cyanophage
phycoerythrobilin synthase (PebS). Biochem. J. 433, 469-476.
Dammeyer, T., Hofmann, E. * & Frankenberg-Dinkel, N. * (2008)
Phycoerythrobilin synthase (PebS) of a marine virus: Crystal structure
of the biliverdin-complex and the substrate free form. J. Biol. Chem.
283, 27547-27554. *corresponding authors
Dammeyer, T., Bagby, S.C., Sullivan, M. B., Chisholm, S. W. &
Frankenberg-Dinkel, N. (2008) Efficient phage-mediated pigment
biosynthesis in oceanic cyanobacteria. Curr. Biol.18, 442-448.
Applications are invited from highly motivated and outstanding students
with a Master degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry or
biophysics. One position to be filled will require to move with the lab
to the Technical University Kaiserslautern (Frankenberg-Dinkel lab). The
positions are to be filled as soon as possible.
The successful candidates will each join a young and highly motivated
team focused on a cutting edge research topic. We offer a high degree of
scientific freedom in a collaborative, well equipped research
environment. Please send applications (as single PDF file), including a
cover letter summarizing your qualifications, motivation and research
interests, a CV with publication list, and the names and contact details
of at least two referees, to
Prof. Dr. Nicole Frankenberg-Dinkel ([email protected])
and
Prof. Dr. Eckhard Hofmann ([email protected]).
The exact salary will depend on the personal qualification of the
applicant up to 65 % E 13 TV-L. The Ruhr University Bochum is an equal
opportunity employer. Applications from women are expressly welcome.
Women with comparable qualifications will receive particular
consideration, unless another applicant displays compelling reasons to
prefer this person. Applications from suitably qualified severely
disabled persons are encouraged. Disabled persons with equal
qualifications will be given priority.
See also:
http://www.bioxtal.rub.de (Hofmann lab)
http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/physmikro (Frankenberg-Dinkel Lab)
--
Eckhard Hofmann <[email protected]>
Ruhr-Uni Bochum
AG Proteinkristallographie, LS Biophysik, ND04/318
44780 Bochum
Tel: +49-(0)234/32-24463, Sekr. -24461, FAX: -14762
