Baza natječaja

Description

The laboratory of Peter Tompa at the VIB Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium is seeking to hire a postdoctoral expert in protein science. Peter Tompa, a world expert on intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs, Tompa 2002 Trends Biochem. Sci.  27, 527; Tompa 2011 Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. epub), recently moved to take the position of director of the department and started his lab to work on various projects related to IDPs. The major topics in the lab (cf. also http://www.vib.be/en/research/scientists/Pages/Peter-Tompa-Lab.aspx) will be:

1) Molecular mechanism of action of ID chaperones. We will combine i) proteomic search for their physiological partners, ii) in-cell NMR studies of their structure and interactions in live plant cells, and iii) detailed structure-function studies, to unveil atomistic details of their chaperone activity.

2) Structure-function relationship of very large (“oversized”) proteins. The focus will be primarily on the transcriptional co-activator CREB-binding protein (CBP), which has several domains and long disordered linker regions. High-resolution (NMR, X-ray) and low-resolution (MS, EM, AFM) techniques will be combined to understand the structural underpinning of its central role in transcription regulation. 

3) Synthetic biology approaches to create artificial IDPs. Initially, we will generate molecular mimics of calpastatin, the ID inhibitor of the enzyme calpain. The synthetic proteins (synCST) will be characterized in binding and inhibitory assays in vitro, and also functional and complementation assays in vivo. The structure of synCST-calpain complex will be solved and the implications of all these findings for synthetic biology will be elucidated.

We offer:

• Fulltime contract for an initial period of 2 years.
• Competitive salary and benefits (health insurance, sport facilities, vacation days...).

Profile

​We are seeking a highly motivated scientist who is interested in working in a top laboratory in one of the fastest-developing area of structural biology. The candidate will join a team of international researchers that investigates various aspects of structural disorder, by combining theoretical, structural, biophysical, biochemical and cell-biological approaches. The candidate is expected to have a strong background in molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology, protein sciences and structural biology, including X-ray crystallography and/or NMR. 

The candidate is expected to show independence and creativity in establishing a novel line of research by combining traditional and novel technologies, also instructing PhD students. Interested candidates should have PhD and some postdoctoral experience with a strong publication record in molecular/structural biology. A good knowledge in biochemistry and cell biology is an advantage. Starting date: as soon as possible.

How to apply?

​Interested candidates should send their CV, a list of publications, a summary of past research, and contact details of two or three references to Peter Tompa. 
Informal inquiries can also be sent to this address. Top-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview in Brussels, Belgium.

VIB Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions, Vrije Universiteit Brussel 
Building E
Pleinlaan 2
1050 BRUSSEL
BELGIUM