[3dem] PostDoc in Cryo-Electron Tomography of T6SS in the Basler lab at the University of Basel, Switzerland, available

[Henning Stahlberg]

We are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the laboratory of Prof. Marek Basler at the Biozentrum of University of Basel (full time position).

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Structure of the bacterial Type VI secretion system by cryo-EM
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The Type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a unique protein-translocating bacterial nanomachine that is fascinating from several points of view: (i) T6SS clusters are present in numerous pathogenic bacteria, (ii) T6SS can deliver effectors into both bacterial and eukaryotic targets, (iii) components of T6SS are evolutionarily related to contractile phage tails, (iv) dynamics of T6SS can be studied using fluorescence microscopy in live cells allowing unprecedented insights into function of this complex nanomachine.

More info: http://www.biozentrum.unibas.ch/basler/
Basler, M., et al., Nature 2012, 483, 182–186.
Kudryashev, M., et al., Cell 2015, 160, 952–962.

In this project, we aim to obtain the high-resolution structure of the whole T6SS assembly in various model organisms using cryo-electron microscopy. The goal is to obtain mechanistic insight into T6SS function and explain differences in T6SS dynamics between model organisms. We will primarily focus on the following biological questions: How is T6SS tail attached to the cell wall? What are differences between pre- and post- contraction structures of T6SS? What are the fundamental structural differences between model organisms?

We collaborate with Prof. Henning Stahlberg and have access to C-CINA (http://www.c-cina.unibas.ch/) equipped with a FEI Titan Krios with Quantum-LS GIF / K2-Summit and a FEI Polara with K2-Summit. Extensive computing infrastructure is available. Starting date by arrangement (approx. second half of 2015). Long term funding is secured from an SNSF grant. Salary according to SNSF guidelines.

Qualifications:

Candidates holding a PhD diploma with experience in cryo-electron microscopy and/or cryo-electron tomography of bacteria and image processing of such data are encouraged to apply. The working language is English.

How to apply:

Please, send your CV (max 3 pages), a brief description of previous research experience 
(1 page), a motivation letter describing your interests in our lab (1 page), and the names of two references to Dr. Anne-Cécile Hiebel: basler-recruitment at unibas.ch. Deadline: Jul-31-2015.
 

The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the leading institutes worldwide for molecular and biomedical basic research and teaching. It is home to more than 30 research groups with scientists from over 40 countries. Research at the Biozentrum focuses on the areas of Cell Growth & Development, Infection Biology, Neurobiology, Structural Biology & Biophysics and Computational & Systems Biology. With its more than 550 employees, the Biozentrum is the largest department at the University of Basel’s Faculty of Science.

Marek Basler, Biozentrum, University Basel