A postdoctoral position in macromolecular crystallography is available
at the three Cassiopeia beamlines at Max-Lab in Lund, Sweden, for a
period of two years starting as soon as possible. The Danscatt
consortium (www.danscatt.dk) is funding the position, and the successful
candidate will work full time at Max-Lab. The postdoc will provide
general support to all Cassiopeia users for 1/3 of the working time. The
remaining 2/3 will be dedicated to collaborative projects, including
publications, with Danish macromolecular crystallography laboratories,
and to the development of new directions within macromolecular
crystallography at Cassiopeia. Max-Lab has excellent crystallization
robotics, crystal imaging facilities, and structure determination tools.
With respect to new directions, the post-doc is expected to participate
in:
* Installation and implementation of a free mounting system for MX
* Proof of principle studies for a solution SAXS beamline with the
option for microfludics applications
* Implementation of automated sample changers for crystal mounting
at MX beamlines
The successful candidate will refer to professor Michael Gajhede,
Biostructural Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of
Copenhagen ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), from whom further details on the position
can be obtained. Further details concerning the Cassiopeia beamlines
are available from beamline manager Thomas Ursby
[EMAIL PROTECTED], see also cassiopeia.maxlab.lu.se.
On 23 October 2008, the Swedish government expressed support for the
construction of a unique third-generation synchrotron, the Max-IV, which
is planned to house two superb MX beamlines and one beamline for
solution SAXS. The post-doc is invited to participate in the development
of the detailed plans for these beamlines. In addition, the Max-IV may
become the neighbour of the new European neutron spallation source ESS,
which will initiate a completely new era in neutron studies in
structural biology. The post-doctoral position therefore offers a unique
opportunity to establish research in the future European powerhouse of
structural biology. For more information regarding the Max-IV and ESS,
see: www.maxlab.lu.se and www.esss.se.
The Danish user community in structural biology holds a unique position
in frontier structural biology with many recent publications in leading
journals, see examples below. Projects include ion-pumping membrane
proteins, large macromolecular complexes involved in RNA metabolism,
proteins from the immune defence, ligand-gated ion channels and
transporters in the central nervous system, enzymes from the barley
fatty acid metabolism, bacterial carbohydrate modifying enzymes and
enzymes containing iron.
Homepages of Danish MX laboratories: www.farma.ku.dk/BR,
www.bioxray.au.dk, www.ccs.ki.ku.dk, www.crc.dk, and www.kemi.dtu.dk.
Selected recent MX publications from Danish MX laboratories:
* Pedersen BP et al. Crystal structure of the plasma membrane
proton pump. Nature 2007, 450(7172):1111-4.
* Morth JP et al. Crystal structure of the sodium-potassium pump.
Nature 2007, 450(7172):1043-9.
* Olesen C et al. The structural basis of calcium transport by the
calcium pump. Nature 2007, 450(7172):1036-42.
* Andersen CB et al. Structure of the exon junction core complex
with a trapped DEAD-box ATPase bound to RNA. Science 2006,
313(5795):1968-72.
* Fredslund F et al. Structure of and influence of a tick
complement inhibitor on human complement component 5. Nature
Immunol. 2008, 9(7):753-60.
* Weyand F et al. Structure and molecular mechanism of a
nucleobase-cation-symport-1 family transporter. Science 2008,
Published Online October 16, 2008.
* Naur P et al. Ionotropic glutamate-like receptor delta2 binds
D-serine and glycine. PNAS 2007, 104(35), 14116-21.
* Vestergaard B et al. A helical structural nucleus is the primary
elongating unit of insulin amyloid fibrils. PLoS Biology 2007,
5(5) e134.
Candidates may apply before receiving their PhD degree, but the
successful candidate must have earned a PhD degree before the start of
the appointment.
Applications should be marked 08-322/MPD-22. Include in five copies: a
current curriculum vitae, copies of relevant diplomas, a complete list
of publications indicating those articles relevant to the position and
copies of same, and a statement of teaching qualifications.
Electronics applications will not be accepted.
Applications should be sent to:
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Copenhagen
Universitetsparken 2
DK-2100 Copenhagen
Denmark
Deadline for applications: 15 January 2009 at 12:00 noon.
--
Professor Michael Gajhede
Institute of Medicinal Chemistry
University of Copenhagen
Universitetsparken 2
DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø
Denmark
Phone: +45 35306407
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
