Dear all, I would like to draw your attention to open postdoctoral positions in my laboratory. The NIH and DOE-funded positions aim at unraveling how membrane-embedded glycosyltransferases synthesize, assemble and secrete polysaccharides.
Extracellular polysaccharides are essential biopolymers that perform a plethora of functions, including forming the extracellular matrix in vertebrates and cell walls in plants, stabilizing bacterial biofilms, or generating the exoskeleton in arthropods. As non-templated biopolymers, extracellular polysaccharides can reach several thousand sugar units in length, yet, are efficiently transported across the plasma membrane in a reaction that is tightly coupled to the elongation of the polymer. We are employing structural and molecular biology techniques to unravel the mechanisms by which these important polymers are translocated and deposited outside the cell. The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary and highly dedicated group. The laboratory is integrated into the Center for Membrane Biology at the University of Virginia (membranebiology.virginia.edu), which offers state-of-the-art resources including crystallization robotics, an electron microscopy core facility, NMR and EPR spectroscopy, SAXS and single molecule fluorescence microscopy. Applicants should have at least one peer-reviewed first author publication as well as experience in membrane protein expression in pro- and eukaryotic systems. An in-depth training in molecular biology and biophysics and the ability to work independently yet integrate well in a diverse group is essential. The University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville/Virginia at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Charlottesville is a liberal university town that has been rated twice as the best place to live in America, due to its outstanding outdoor recreational attractions, lively music, wine and food culture, and exceptional living standards. Charlottesville is only 115 miles from downtown Washington DC and 100 miles from Dulles International Airport. Interested candidates should contact me directly for further information ([email protected]). Sincerely, Jochen Zimmer _____________________________________ The University of Virginia is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For Thomas Jefferson, learning was an integral part of life. The "academical village" was created around the assumption that learning is a lifelong and shared process, and that interaction between scholars and students enlivens the pursuit of knowledge. University Human Resources strives to identify applicants who will contribute as high potential employees, leaders and managers. We employ individuals who foster and promote the University mission and purpose. Successful candidates exemplify uncommon integrity; they are honest, trusted, team-oriented and live the core values of the University. These candidates display great judgment, by practicing evidence-based decision-making. They are strategically focused by contributing to and achieving department goals and vision. They set high performance standards and hold themselves accountable by aggressively executing these standards. These employees also develop a deep passion for the University and the impact it has on students, faculty, alumni and community. Successful candidates identify their personal career goals and development opportunities, and as supervisors, help their staff do the same. They contribute to team success by leading talent, through their individual efforts and by leading and developing their teams.
