We seek to appoint two Research Associates to undertake structural studies of the Tat protein transporter. The Tat system is a highly unusual protein transport pathway that moves folded proteins across the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane [Nature Rev.Microbiol. (2012) 10: 483]. The Tat system is required for the virulence of many bacterial pathogens. We have recently determined the structure of the core Tat transporter component TatC by X-ray crystallography [Nature (2012) 492: 210]. This project aims to build upon this success by determining high resolution structures of TatC in complex with other Tat components and with substrate targeting peptides. The project will also encompass related biochemical analysis of Tat complexes.
Applicants must have an interest in structural biology and should possess, or expect to shortly obtain, a PhD in Biochemistry or Structural Biology or a related discipline. Applicants must have expertise in protein purification and characterisation as well as expertise in at least one of the following: X-ray crystallography or other high resolution structural method; working with membrane proteins; biochemical and biophysical analysis of protein-protein interactions; biochemistry of protein transport. These full-time posts are available immediately, working jointly with Professor Ben Berks in the Department of Biochemistry and Professor Susan Lea in the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, Oxford. The positions are funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) for up to 48 months in the first instance. https://www.recruit.ox.ac.uk/pls/hrisliverecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.display_form Prof. Susan M. Lea tel: +44 1865 275181 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Professor of Chemical Pathology Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford OX1 3RE UK Tutorial Fellow @ Brasenose College, Oxford OX1 4AJ
