The Stamatatos/Pancera lab, within the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, works towards the development of safe and effective vaccines against HIV-1 and malaria. Our major emphasis is the design of protein immunogens and understanding the immune response following vaccination or natural infection. The subgroup led by Dr. Pancera focuses on structural characterization of these immunogens and their immune responses. The laboratory utilizes a wide range of in vitro and in vivo systems and cutting-edge technologies and techniques. Experimental approaches include high-throughput crystallography, specialized immunological methodologies and assays, molecular and cellular biology techniques, bioinformatics, and computational approaches.
Our lab is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow to work on a project involving the characterization of the humoral immune response to malaria infection and vaccines using X-ray crystallography and designs of novel malaria-derived immunogens. Major Duties: * Responsible for crystallization of the proteins/antibodies complexes and for solving and refining their structures * Conduct protein expression and purification experiments, including affinity purification, ion exchange and FPLC, related to the production of antibodies against viral glycoproteins for structural biology * May involve use of Electron Microscopy, molecular modelling or structure-based mutagenesis and design * May involve use of Bio Layer interferometry, SPR and ELISA * Initiate and carry out scientific projects, under the supervision of Dr. Pancera * Develop and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the scientific literature relating to the research topics. * Conduct and publish research in malaria structural biology. Qualifications: PhD in Structural Biology, Protein Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field is required with significant expertise in X-ray protein crystallography. Candidates with backgrounds in areas such as protein biochemistry, and vaccine development are strongly encouraged to apply. On-hands experience with diverse aspects of Molecular Biology is required. Experience in X-ray crystallography including up-to-date knowledge of relevant programs including CCP4, and Phenix packages, protein purification, protein characterization, and a strong publication history are strongly desired. Knowledge of Cryo-EM is not required but desirable. Additional expertise with tissue culture and immunological assays is a plus. The candidate must be a 'risk taker', show initiative, willingness to take up new skills and responsibilities, and be a team player. Excellent attention to details and the ability to work independently are essential to success in this position, as are good communication and organizational skills. The candidate must be self-motivated, able to multitask and to work within a very collaborative environment. Salary range: The position is funded for two years with possibility of extension based on performance. Salary will be commensurate with (appropriate) experience. Starting date: Review of applications begins immediately. Send your CV and a cover letter in PDF to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> or apply at https://careers-fhcrc.icims.com/jobs/10811/post-doctoral-research-fellow/job?hub=7 . Anticipated starting date is February 2018, or early 2018.
