A full-time, five-year cryo-EM post-doctoral research associate position funded by a recent NIH U01 award to study the structural biology of alpha-synuclein is immediately available in the Center for Cellular Imaging under the mentorship of Dr. James Fitzpatrick at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, USA. The position is focused on the use of single-particle and tomographic cryo-EM approaches to elucidate the atomic structure of alpha-synuclein (Asyn) fibrils isolated and amplified from different regions of pathological brain tissue. The position will involve preparation of vitrified Asyn fibrils in collaboration with the Kotzbauer Lab in the Department of Neurology, along with the acquisition and analysis of both single-particle and tomographic datasets acquired on a Titan Krios platform. We are explicitly seeking candidates who have a strong background and training in using cryo-EM approaches, with skills in both wet lab sample purification and vitrification, computational analyses using RELION for helical reconstruction and macromolecular model fitting using Coot.
Required QualificationsPreferred Qualifications
- Ideal postdoctoral candidates will have a strong background in biochemistry as well as training / expertise in cryo-EM approaches (both data acquisition and analysis).
- Experience in structural biology approaches are also desirable, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills.
- The appointee has earned a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.
Base pay is commensurate with experiment and position is eligible for full-time benefits. Applicants should send a CV, brief description of current research activities, and contact information of 3 references to: James Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Neuroscience and Cell Biology & Physiology Director, Center for Cellular Imaging Washington University School of Medicine 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8108 St Louis, MO 63110 Email: fitzp@wustl.edu
- Experience in single-particle cryo-EM helical reconstruction using RELION.
- Experience in cryo-electron tomography reconstructions using IMOD and/or Tomo3D.
- Experience with macromolecular model building in cryo-EM density maps in Coot.
- Demonstrated computer skills including proficiency with a scripting language (e.g. Perl, Python).
- Experience in working in a Linux/UNIX environment, experience with cluster computing is a plus.
- Knowledge, background, or experience in structural biology approaches.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent analytical, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Self-motivated and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
