[3dem] Post doctoral position in single particle, Melbourne

[Eric Gilles Hanssen]

Dear all, 

An exciting opportunity exists in the labs of Drs Chris Tonkin and Mike Lawrence at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia for a Post-doctoral Scientist to work on understanding the structure and function of the actinomyosin-based ‘glideosome’ that drives tissue dissemination and invasion in the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii – the causative agent of Toxoplasmosis. 
Toxoplasma, like the closely related malaria-causing parasite, must move through tissue and invade host cells for survival and proliferation. Movement is achieved using a unique form of locomotion termed gliding motility powered by an actomyosin-based glideosome. Anchored directly under the plasma membrane, the glideosome functions by pulling host cell adhesins to the distal end the parasite, thus creating forward thrust. This exciting project aims to understand mechanistically how this process takes place.

As part of a larger project, the appointee will purify, to homogeneity, the glideosome from wildtype and mutant parasites and then determine its structure. In particular, the appointee will use single particle transmission electron microscopy imaging (both negative stain and cryo-techniques) of the glideosome with the aim of reconstructing a 3D electron density map of the intact complex.
This Project forms part of a larger program that will bring together the powerful genetics in Toxoplasma, structural modelling of the myosin and its light chains, and single particle imaging to create a functionally validated model of the glideosome at the highest possible level of resolution.

Applicants must have experience in structural biology techniques, ideally in single-particle cryoelectron microscopy and the associated 3D reconstruction techniques. At minimum, applicants must have experience in heterologous expression systems, purification techniques as well as knowledge and experience in structural determination of proteins. Attention to detail, ability to build strong working relationships and a highly collaborative nature are essential.

Individuals with no experience in structural biology need not apply.

This position is available for 1 years in the first instance, from 2 January 2013 and is a full-time position.
Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience starting at ~USD$75,000 p.a. Up to 17 % superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.
Written applications addressing the knowledge and experience requirements, including CV, academic transcripts and the names of three professional referees should be forwarded to Dr Chris Tonkin (tonkin at wehi.edu.au) before the 10st of December.


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Dr Eric Hanssen
Senior Research Fellow - Manager Advanced Microscopy Facility – Bio21 node
Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute
30 Flemington Road - The University of Melbourne - Victoria 3010 - Australia
email: ehanssen at unimelb.edu.au | Office: +61 3 83442449 | Microscope: +61 3 83442509 | Fax: +61 3 9347 8265
Web: www.microscopy.unimelb.edu.au