We are looking for a motivated new ESR to join our network. Please look at the offer below and don’t hesitate to contact us.
Early Stage Researcher ESR6
Membrane Structural and Functional Biology Group
Applications are invited for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR)/PhD studentship position funded by The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Innovative Training Networks (ITN) programme titled Rationalising Membrane Protein Crystallisation (RAMP). The ESR will be based in Prof. Martin Caffrey’s Membrane Structural and Functional Biology (MS&FB) group at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. The project is jointly funded by the ITN and Trinity College Dublin.
The ESR will work on the mechanism of membrane protein crystallisation by the lipid cubic phase (in meso) method (Acta Cryst. D71:3; Nature 49:521; Science 351:876) toward the development of a rational approach for crystallogenesis. The specific objectives of the project include evaluating the effectiveness of novel lipids and lipid combinations in crystallising different target membrane proteins, mapping temperature/composition phase diagrams for these lipids, and establishing their compatibility with components of precipitant solutions, additive lipids and detergents and the nature of the final mesophase type in which crystals grow. Phase and crystal characterization will make use of small- and wide-angle scattering and macromolecular crystallography at synchrotrons and free-electron laser X-ray sources. Membrane proteins targetted include enzymes, transporters, channels, receptors and complexes. Appropriate training will be provided as needed. The MS&FB group employs the latest methodologies, instrumentation and materials for membrane molecular and structural biology research, some of which was developed in-house (Nature Protocols 4:706; Acta Cryst. D72:93).
The ESR project is one of 12 in the RAMP training network. It will involve secondments to other network partners with specialised biochemical, biophysical, crystallisation and crystallography expertise.
Applicants should have a high-level honours (2.1 or above) Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline and a keen interest in the relationship between structure and function. Experience with protein crystallisation, membrane proteins and/or synthetic organic chemistry is desirable but not essential.
Candidates must comply with EU and Trinity College Dublin eligibility criteria. Due to EU rules to promote mobility, you are not eligible for a position in a country where you have lived (worked, studied) for more than 12 months in the last 3 years. So for this position you are eligible, unless you have studied or worked in Ireland for more than 12 of the last 36 months. For applicants finishing or who have just finished their degree, this typically means that you can be graduating from any university except an Irish university.
Further information about the MS&FG group and Trinity CDraftsollege Dublin is available at http://www.tcd.ie/Biochemistry/research/m_caffrey.php.
Expressions of interest and applications should be emailed to Marta Elzo-Aizarna marta.elzo-aizarna@ibs.
The closing date for applications is 7 December 2018 at 6 p.m. Central European Time. Applications should include a CV, two letters of recommendation, and a description of why this project particularly suits you.
RAMP Network 