Postdoctoral position in redox signaling kinetics Position: A postdoctoral Research position is immediately available for structure-function studies of proteins that control signaling during oxidative stress. Successful candidates will join an exciting research environment of the Messens VIB-laboratory in the Structural Biology Research Center in Brussels. The Messens laboratory is recognized as a world leader in the redox field, and the lab provides an outstanding position in protein biochemistry and structural biology, in a highly dynamic and team-oriented research group. You will work on the Strategic Research Project ‘The far reaches of enzymology in health and disease - Kinetics along signal transduction pathways within complex systems’ in collaboration with the Wim Versées-lab at the VUB. In this cutting-edge research environment of both labs, you will tackle essential biological problems in protein signaling.
Project: The project focuses on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). This persistent human pathogen is dynamically being reprogrammed to survive H2O2 and HOCl (bleach) stress of our immune system. We are analyzing the dynamics in the sulfur-proteome under varying oxidative stress conditions by identifying the proteins that are modified by reactive oxygen species (ROS) on their cysteines forming a sulfenic acid (Cys-SOH). These reversible post-transcriptional modifications function as “thiol-switches” which alter the biochemical properties of redox sensing proteins. In this project, we aim to establish a detailed kinetic and structural view of the mode of action of these redox proteins, in order to scrutinize their role in signaling during oxidative stress survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Requirements: Applicants should have obtained a PhD in the last 5 years within the field of protein biochemistry and should have hands-on expertise with fast kinetic techniques. Fluent knowledge of English is a must. Experience with biophysical techniques and structural biology is a plus, but not required. Please send a cover letter discussing your interests in the laboratory and the project as well as your CV and a list of 3 individuals as references to [email protected]. Dr. Inge Van Molle VIB Structural Biology Research Center Oxidative Stress Signalling Structural Biology Brussels Vrije Universiteit Brussel Building E, room 4.16, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium Tel. 003226291992 Mobile 0032486521278
