Website: http://www.psi.ch/lbr/
Technical Assistant Membrane Protein Production, Purification and Crystallisation Laboratory of Biomolecular Research – Schertler Lab Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland Description The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research centre for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of matter and materials, energy and environment and human health. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether PSI employs 1900 people. The Laboratory of Biomolecular Research (LBR) (http://www.psi.ch/lbr/laboratory-of-biomolecular-research) in the Biology and Chemistry department of the Paul Scherrer Institute counts around 80 people pursuing fundamental research in large part in the field of transmembrane signalling. We work on membrane proteins that are essential for many biological processes and therefore are the targets of more than 30% of the drugs on the market. Research at LBR is therefore strongly linked to human health trough collaborations with academic laboratories and pharmaceutical industries. With the very close proximity of the Swiss Light Source (SLS) synchrotron, the development of projects for studies at the swiss Free Electron Laser under construction (SwissFEL) and its excellent infrastructure, the LBR is an attractive environment for technical employees, PhD students and postdocs interested in structure/function analysis of complex biological systems. Duties & Responsibilities: -Dedicated support to the research projects in the group of Gebhard Schertler as well as maintenance of basic functions in the lab. Your main activity will be conducting experiments with protein production (PCR, plasmid preparation, bacterial and eukaryotic cell culture), protein isolation followed by biochemical characterisation (chromatography techniques, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, stability tests and ligand binding assays) and crystallisation (manual and robotic setting up). You will carry out some experiments in low-light conditions in a photolab and occasionally give assistance during diffraction measurements of crystal samples at the SLS synchrotron which require some flexibility in the working hours. -A part of the job (20%) will support the general LBR infrastructure and laboratory workflow both in an independent manner and in collaboration with the group. Requirements: As an ideal candidate, you must have a minimum education as technical assistant with some experience in biochemistry. You should have knowledge in protein production and purification and be highly motivated in working on fundamental research with protein and DNA. You are able to work as part of a team and independently with excellent communication in English. Keeping an electronic labbook as well as organisational (inventories) and basic administrative skills are essential. A bachelor degree in biochemistry or chemistry, German knowledge, experience in cell culture, protein purification and/or crystallization is an advantage. We offer: Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure. Your employment contract is first limited to 2 years For further information please contact Valérie Panneels ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) Please submit your application online (including letters of reference) for the position of reference “2011-01” athttp://www.psi.ch/pa/offenestellen/1010. Prof. Gebhard F.X. Schertler Head of Biology and Chemistry Paul Scherrer Institut Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, BMR OFLC 109 CH-5232 Villigen PSI [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> phone +41 56 310 4265
