Postdoctoral position in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology ”Enzyme evolution, with ribonucleotide reductases as model system” at Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University
Application deadline: 2015-03-15 Organisms store their genetic information in DNA. The enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyses the reaction that provides new DNA building blocks and it is essential in all free-living organisms. Different classes of RNR differ in quaternary structure and metal content, and therefore apply slightly different activation and reaction mechanisms. The project aims to establish RNRs as a model system for studying protein evolution by systematic characterization of evolutionary distinct subclasses of RNR. Several RNR subclasses are known, but only few have been characterised in detail. Often subclasses are enzymatically, structurally or biomedically interesting, but so far there have been no attempts to systematically identify new interesting subclasses. Our database RNRdb (http://rnrdb.pfitmap.org) offers a phylogenetic subclassification of RNRs and is a cornerstone for the proposed project. The postdoctoral project includes expression and purification of RNRs from different subclasses, general characterization of their properties (activity assays, spectroscopy, crystallization and structure determination). Qualifications PhD in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology, preferentially with focus on metalloproteins, plus knowledge of molecular biology/molecular genetics methodologies. Emphasis will be put on knowledge in protein chemistry and purification as well as biochemical characterization of enzymes. Key methods include enzymatic assays and spectroscopy. Earlier knowledge of protein crystallography is considered an advantage. Candidate should be proficient in spoken and written English, and documented capability of good teamwork. Time span The postdoctoral position initially is a one-year full-time position financed via a scholarship, and with a possibility to be prolonged for one more year. Staring date is open for discussions, though ideally the successful candidate should start as soon as possible and at the latest June 2015. Additional information Prof. Britt-Marie Sjöberg Personal webpage can be found at http://www.dbb.su.se Email: britt-marie.sjob...@dbb.su.se Application Applications should include all of the following items in one merged pdf file: i) a brief account (1 page) of your motives for applying, ii) curriculum vitae, iii) full publication list, iv) contact information to two references. Applications should be sent via email to: britt-marie.sjob...@dbb.su.se <mailto:britt-marie.sjob...@dbb.su.se>
