Postdoctoral Position
Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
Application deadline: 09 Feb 2014
Postdoctoral position in structure-function studies of G-protein networks in bacterial virulence and persistence Structural Biology Brussels (
Vrije Universiteit Brussel/VIB) - Brussels, Belgium.
At the Structural Biology Brussels laboratory (Vrije Universiteit Brussel/VIB), we are looking for a highly qualified and motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in X-ray crystallography and biophysics and interested in biochemical and structural studies on enzymes and G-protein networks involved in bacterial virulence and persistence.
Project description:
Guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins or GTPases) are central "regulatory hubs" in nearly all essential cellular processes. However, the mechanisms of intra- and intermolecular regulation of complex multi-domain GTPases and their involvement in human disease remain largely unexplored. We aim to study the mechanism, regulation and interaction networks of important representatives of these complex GTPases, in the context of bacterial virulence and persistence. Through collaboration with the group of Prof. J. Michiels (Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KULeuven) we will combine the genetics and biology of persistence and virulence with detailed biochemical, biophysical and structural in vitro studies, in order to contribute to a complete mechanistic understanding of the underlying principles at an atomic level. Different research topics in this field are currently being started or ongoing in our lab and can be discussed in more detail with the interested/selected candidate.
Required skills and experience: Ph.D. in the field of structural biology. Experience in protein expression, purification and characterization. Experience in protein crystallization and structure determination by X-ray crystallography. Knowledge in mechanistic enzymology and biophysical methods is an asset. Good communication and teamwork skills.
Send applications (including CV, research experience, and at least two names and contact information for references) to: Wim.Versees@vib-vub.be.
