[3dem] Job description for Biophysics/EM Postdoc Position at University of Kansas

Mark Fisher MFISHER1 at kumc.edu
Wed Feb 16 13:38:04 PST 2011


BioPhysics/EM Postdoc Position
Department: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 
The position is available immediately. Closing date: until position is
filled.
 
The Biochemistry Department at the University of Kansas Medical Center
invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow with a research emphasis
in Biophysics/Physical Chemistry related to protein structure and
function.  The funded research program described in this announcement
primarily uses Electron microscopy to obtain membrane protein structures
of Bacterial toxins employing novel nanodisc technologies (see article;
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Feb 23;107(8):3453-7. M Fisher
Corresponding author).
The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to investigate
bacterial toxin nanodisc structures and obtain valuable educational
opportunities (additional courses at Scripps and Baylor electron
microscopy centers along with individual instruction from a
collaborator, Edward P Gogol at University of Missouri Kansas City) to
develop scientific expertise to use electron microscopy to obtain three
dimensional structures of membrane proteins inserted into lipid
bilayers.  The laboratory also uses Normal Mode Flexible Fitting
methodologies with our collaborator Florence Tama at the University of
Arizona to model conformational fluctuations within heterogeneous EM
populations.  Particular focus will be on enlarging our database of
solving novel Anthrax toxin pore membrane protein nanodisc complexes as
well as develop new directions to construct new membrane protein
structures and complexes. 
 
Career development opportunities: Although funds are readily available
for long term study, the applicant will receive grant development skills
through educational opportunities and will eventually be encouraged to
apply for independent funds as this will help in career development
beyond the postdoctoral experience. We are a predominantly young
energetic department and successful candidates become fully integrated
as members of the Department of Biochemistry.  This is a unique
postdoctoral experience because it carries the possibility of
advancement toward higher academic ranks (i.e. Research Assistant
Professorships) through teaching opportunities and independent research
endeavors.
*Note: *This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal
for up to three years based upon satisfactory job performance,
continuing availability of funds, and on-going operational needs.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and apply state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques and
computational procedures to solve medium resolution structures of
membrane proteins and protein complexes.  
• Expand structural expertise use different lipid constructs to capture
the Anthrax Toxin Pore.
• Collaborate and work with outside researchers (Collaborators from
Bridget Carragher and Clint Potter at Scripps, R. J. Collier at Harvard
etc.), postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and summer interns.
• Collect and analyze experimental data, prepare research publications,
and communicate results at professional meetings.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Ph.D. (preferably within the last three years but more experienced
candidates can also apply) in Physics, Biophysics, Chemistry or related
field
• Extensive experience in protein structure determination, protein
purification and protein folding (Membrane protein experience most
welcome) 
• We would prefer candidates with Demonstrated experience in Linux/Unix
computing skills, experimental techniques (wetlab experience) in protein
purification, protein production. Experience with EM and cryoEM
techniques and modeling of complex data (i.e. single particle analysis
applied to Electron microscopy) is strongly recommended. Note however,
that strong motivated candidates can easily learn these experimental
techniques and educational opportunities exist to gain sufficient
experience using EM/single particle analysis 3D reconstruction.. 
• Ability to communicate results effectively, both orally and in
writing (Applicant is required to present prior research in a
Departmental Seminar format during the interview) 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team,
take initiative and be self-motivated
• Working knowledge of data acquisition and analysis software
How to Apply
As part of the online application process, please submit an attachment
that includes your CV, a publication list, short statement of your
research interests and the names and contact information of at least two
references to mfisher1 at kumc.edu :  
Mark Fisher Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Robert E. Hemenway Life Sciences Innovation Center
Room 1054 laboratory
Room 1071 office
University of Kansas Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City KS 66160-7421
Email:  mfisher1 at kumc.edu
Phone:  913-588-6940 office
Phone:  913-588-9880 lab
Fax:      913-588-9896
Visit our site at http://www.kumc.edu/biochemistry/mfisher.html
About University of Kansas Medical Center.
The University of Kansas Medical center is located in Kansas City KS
within the large Kansas City Mo metropolitan area. Our laboratory
conducts multi-disciplinary research with key efforts in Single particle
protein electron microscopy, protein folding and Structural Biophysics,
using electron microscopy and novel state of the art protein folding
techniques as tools for discovery.  The Biochemistry Department is
staffed primarily with biophysical protein chemists who are engaged in
state of the art research in membrane protein dynamics, protein dynamics
in enzymology, molecular and biophysical aspects of allostery and
biophysical studies in protein glycosylation.   
University of Kansas Medical Center  is an Affirmative Action/ Equal
Employment Opportunity employer committed to the development of a
diverse workforce.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: https://mail.ncmir.ucsd.edu/mailman/private/3dem/attachments/20110216/b4d76931/attachment.html


More information about the 3dem mailing list