A post-doctoral position and PhD position are available at the laboratory of Structural Neurobiology, KU Leuven Belgium. The lab website is available at http://www.xtal.be. The research in our laboratory is aimed at understanding the molecular mechanism of ligand-gated ion channels. Our method relies on X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM in combination with electrophysiological recordings and fluorescence spectroscopy. Our laboratory hosts an integrated macromolecular crystallization facility with a Mosquito crystallization robot and two RockImagers. Current structural targets include the family of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (Cys-loop receptors), TRP channels and CNG channels.
We would like to recruit a post-doc and/or PhD student with prior experience in expression, purification and crystallization of membrane proteins. Prior experience with X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM is considered a major advantage. The successful candidate: - easily communicates in an open verbal manner and has a team player spirit - has an ambitious work ethic - critically contributes to writing of manuscripts and grant proposals - makes efforts to obtain independent funding - meets intermediate deadlines and brings projects to a successful end - fuels internal discussions of recent publications in the field - sets an example to younger PhD students in the lab - identifies directions for future scientific research The position is open immediately and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants are requested to submit a CV with publication list and two references. E-mail to chris.ul...@kuleuven.be Selected lab publications: Molecular blueprint of allosteric binding sites in a homologue of the agonist-binding domain of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Spurny R, Debaveye S, Farinha A, Veys K, Vos AM, Gossas T, Atack J, Bertrand S, Bertrand D, Danielson UH, Tresadern G, Ulens C. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 May 12;112(19):E2543-52. Pentameric ligand-gated ion channel ELIC is activated by GABA and modulated by benzodiazepines. Spurny R, Ramerstorfer J, Price K, Brams M, Ernst M, Nury H, Verheij M, Legrand P, Bertrand D, Bertrand S, Dougherty DA, de Esch IJ, Corringer PJ, Sieghart W, Lummis SC, Ulens C. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Oct 30;109(44):E3028-34. A structural and mutagenic blueprint for molecular recognition of strychnine and d-tubocurarine by different cys-loop receptors. Brams M, Pandya A, Kuzmin D, van Elk R, Krijnen L, Yakel JL, Tsetlin V, Smit AB, Ulens C. PLoS Biol. 2011 Mar;9(3):e1001034.
