Within the framework of an ERC Consolidator project, an initial 2-year postdoctoral position is available in the Advanced Live Cell Imaging group of Daniel Van Damme at The VIB/UGent Department of Plant Systems Biology to investigate the ultrastructure of the plant endocytic TPLATE complex (TPC).
The TPC has its evolutionary origins between the emergence of COPI and the functional specification of the AP complexes. While the TPC remained essential for plants, it was evolutionarily lost in yeasts and animal cells, indicating that endocytosis operates differently in plants (Gadeyne et al., Cell 2014: Hirst et al., Elife 2014). The project aims to generate structural and mechanistic insights into membrane recruitment and cargo identification of the TPC as well as its interplay with the evolutionarily conserved AP-2 complex. The project will run in close collaboration with structural biology groups within the VIB institute (Savvas Savvides, VIB/UGent and Rouslan Efremov, VIB/VUB). The successful candidate will spearhead the structural elucidation of an enigmatic endocytic complex and will become part of a lively research group with a long track record on unravelling the role of this key endocytic complex in plants (Van Damme et al., Plant Journal 2004; Van Damme et al., Plant Cell 2006; Van Damme et al PNAS 2011; Gadeyne et al., Cell 2014). Motivated candidates with a PhD and a proven track record in structural biology and/or molecular biology (e.g. protein/complex purification, recombinant protein biochemistry, X-ray crystallography, single-particle EM etc) are requested to send their CV (including academic record, publications and proof of relevant experience), a statement of interest focusing on the project and the contact details of two referees (name, organization, phone, e-mail address) to: daniel.vanda...@psb.vib-ugent.be <mailto:daniel.vanda...@psb.vib-ugent.be> Prior experience in the field of endocytosis is an asset. The succesful candidate can start immediately and the call will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview or skype meeting.
