[3DEM] Positions in Cryo-electron Microscopy Department of Structural Biology University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Mon Mar 13 11:09:06 PST 2006

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Dave Foster
3DEM List Moderator

From:    jxc100 at pitt.edu
Subject: EM Manager and Post-Doctoral Positions
Date:    March 7, 2006 3:14:22 PM EST
To:      3dem at ucsd.edu

Positions in Cryo-electron Microscopy, Department of Structural
Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has recently
established a new Department of Structural Biology with state-of-the-
art facilities in NMR, X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron
microscopy as well as extensive biochemical and biophysical
instrumentation. The Department is housed in the new Biomedical
Science Tower-3, adjacent to existing departments in the School of
Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh. We are establishing a
program of exciting and high-quality research projects that are
supported by our extensive technical resources including several NMR
instruments ranging in field strength from 14-21 Tesla, two FR-E X-
ray generators with four detectors including CCD and image plates,
and three FEI electron microscopes. Departmental resources include
molecular biology and protein chemistry Cores in addition to
extensive genomic and proteomics capabilities within the Medical
School and the University of Pittsburgh. Both physical proximity and
scientific affinities between the Medical School, the University, and
Carnegie Mellon University extends the already expansive scope of
research being conducted at Pittsburgh. The city of Pittsburgh
consistently ranks among the "Best Places to Live in America" and is
one of the nation’s top 25 arts destinations. The region is home to
the Carnegie Museum of Art, Andy Warhol Museum and Pittsburgh
Symphony Orchestra.

Cryo-electron microscopy is the focus of two independent groups led
by Drs. James Conway and Peijun Zhang, and the facility is generously
equipped with the latest in hardware, including three FEI Tecnai
electron microscopes: Polara and T20F, both with field emission guns
and Gatan 4k CCD cameras, and a T12 with LaB6 source. Additional
equipment includes a Vitrobot and ancillary equipment for routine
negative-stain EM and cryo-EM, and a darkroom. The biological focus
is on cryo-EM imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction of protein
assemblies such as virus capsids and endocytotic machinery, with the
goal of under standing function at the protein subunit and complex
levels, and the relationship between function and structure. Methods
include high-resolution "single-particle" structure analyses and
electron tomography, which are under continual development.

The following posts are available immediately. For further
information, please contact James Conway (mailto:jxc100 at pitt.edu) or
see <http://www.pitt.edu/~jxc100/>. Official postings should appear
on the University of Pittsburgh website shortly. Applications should
include a CV, an outline of areas of expertise and interest, list of
publications, and names and contact information for 3 references, and
submit ted to:

Dean Duncan
Department of Structural Biology
University of Pittsburgh
1050 Biomedical Science Tower 3
3501 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
Phone:  412.383.9800
Fax:    412.648.9008
Email:  dxd8 at pitt.edu

1. Electron Microscopy Manager
A skilled electron microscopist is sought to support the equipment
and users of the cryo-EM facility. Experience in biological electron
microscopy, including sample preparation, equipment maintenance and
vacuum techniques, is essential and knowledge of cryo-EM and image
analysis methods is an advantage. A record of research work in the
field would also be desirable. The candidate is expected to maintain
the microscopes and related equipment in optimal order, train and
supervise users, and to participate in research projects as assigned
by Dr. Conway. Duties will also include management of supplies, users
and maintenance contracts. The appoint ment will be as University
staff and salary will be commensurate with experience (please see the
University of Pittsburgh web-site for details: www.pitt.edu).

2. Post-doctoral – Conway group
The group of Dr. James Conway is looking for two post-doctoral
fellows to work on virus structure and lifecycle, including the
structural connections between animal and bacterial viruses, and
devel opment of computational methods to support this. Recent work in
this area has been published as follows:
Duda et al (2006) Current Biology 16, R11-13. Shared architecture of
bacteriophage SPO1 and herpesvirus capsids.
Fuschiotti et al (2006) J. Mol. Biol. 356, 510-520. A structural
basis for exploiting the thera peutic potential of the dodecahedral
penton particle from Adenovirus 3.
Specific projects include extending the structural analysis of large
bacteriophages, including both the capsids and helical tails, and
study of herpesviruses for understanding the structural and
functional differences with related virus capsids. Positions will be
for up to three years and salary will be commensurate with experience.

3. Post-doctoral – Zhang group
Two postdoctoral positions are available at the group of Dr. Peijung
Zhang. The focus of the laboratory is structural characterization of
protein complexes and macromolecular assemblies using various cryo-EM
and image analysis methods, in particular, cryo-electron tomography.
Areas of interest include the mechanism of clathrin-mediated
endocytosis and architecture of chemoreceptor networks for signal
transduction in bacterial chemotaxis. Qualifications include a Ph.D.
and an interest in the structural biology of complex molecular
assemblies. Experience in electron microscopy, image processing, and
cell biology is desirable. The position is for three years in the
first instance. Salary will be comparable to the NIH standard.
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Zhang at pz at nih.gov.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
James Conway, PhD.,
Department of Structural Biology
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Biomedical Science Tower 3, Room 2047
3501 5th Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
U.S.A.
Phone: +1-412-383-9847
Fax:   +1-412-648-8998
Email: jxc100 at pitt.edu
Web:   <http://www.pitt.edu/~jxc100/> (under construction)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

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