Dear CCP4 Community I´d like to request your help to spread the word about the position described below:
FtsZ, the prokaryotic homologue of tubulin, is the universal driver of bacterial cell division and an attractive target for new antibiotics. Our group has been using a combination of approaches (genetics, live cell microscopy and structural biology) to study the mechanism of FtsZ polymerization and how it is regulated by modulator proteins. More recently, we established the conditions for applying NMR to FtsZ. This breakthrough should allow addressing several questions that have not been accessible by X‐ray crystallography, such as: 1) Determination of the allosteric mechanism of polymerization; 2) Mapping of the interaction with modulators that do not co‐crystalize with FtsZ; 3) Screening and mapping binding sites of candidate small molecule inhibitors. We are seeking highly motivated candidates, capable or working independently and interested in bridging basic science with antibiotic discovery. Previous experience with protein NMR is a plus, but not mandatory. Crystallographers and biochemists with good protein expression and purification skills are welcome to apply. Applicants should send their CV and a brief description of their past research experience to Frederico Gueiros‐Filho (fguei...@iq.usp.br) and should organize 2 recommendation letters to be sent directly to the same email address. University of São Paulo (USP) is the #1 university in Latin America and is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities of the world ( https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world‐university‐rankings/university‐ of‐sao‐paulo#ranking‐dataset/558261). The Department of Biochemistry is one of the leading research centers in Brazil, with an internationally recognized faculty and world class facilities, including an 800 MHz NMR spectrometer. This project involves collaboration with the group of Dr. Jose Manuel Andreu, CIB, Madrid, and may include visits to his group. References: Bisson‐Filho et al., (2015). PNAS 112:E2130‐E2138. Blasios et al., (2013). PLoS One, 8:e60690. Castellen et al., (2015). Biomolecular NMR Assignments 9:1‐5. Nogueira et al., (2015). Biomolecular NMR Assignments 9:387‐91.
