PostDoctoral Fellow - Novel secreted proteins from the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes:, University of Copenhagen

PostDoctoral Fellow - Novel secreted proteins from the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes:

Structure, Function, and Interactions
 
Title: PostDoctoral Fellow
Tenure: Two years
                                                                                                                                  
Background
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (NNF-CPR) (www.cpr.ku.dk) has been established at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, to promote basic and applied discovery research on human proteins of biomedical relevance. The Center comprises a wide range of expertise and resources, from in silico target identification, mass spectrometry based proteomics, protein production and characterization, and the elucidation of various disease mechanisms.
 
Employment conditions
Employment will be in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish Government and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). The position will be at the level of postdoctoral fellow and the salary depends on seniority and track-record of the candidate. To the basic salary, a monthly contribution to a pension fund is added (17.1% of the salary), and a supplement could be negotiated, dependent on the candidate´s experiences and qualifications.
 
Study description
The postholder will work in an interdisciplinary group with members from the NNF-CPR as well as external scientific groups. The external collaborations will primarily involve Prof. Lars Björck, Infection Medicine, and Dr. Johan Malmström, Immunotechnology, Lund University, Sweden.
 
The goal in this research project is to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococci) cause severe invasive and potentially life-threatening conditions. By conducting large scale proteome-wide protein quantification experiments using mass spectrometry, we have discovered that the major differences between high and low virulent strains of S. pyogenes are found among the secreted proteins. By specifically enriching proteins that are secreted and undertaking quantitative MS analysis, we have characterized several proteins that are exclusively secreted by the virulent strains. Of particular interest is that several of these proteins are so far uncharacterized with no apparent orthologs.
 
The current project is focused on studies of the novel secreted bacterial proteins. We are therefore now recruiting a postdoctoral fellow that will be working with the elucidation of the structure, function, and interaction of the bacterial proteins and proteins from the human host. The project will involve all steps including protein expression and purification, biophysical characterization, crystallization, and structure determination by X-ray crystallography. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be part of the Protein Function and Interactions Team headed by Assoc. Prof. Mats Wikström.
 
Qualifications
Highly motivated and ambitious candidates are encouraged to apply. Solid experience and an excellent track record gained in leading laboratories in the research field will be considered a distinct advantage.
 
Essential criteria

• Expert knowledge of crystallization of proteins.
• Extensive experience in using synchrotron beam-lines for collecting high-resolution data of proteins for structures determination.
• Expert knowledge in molecular biophysics methods and structural determination using X-ray crystallography including computational tools for structure determination and refinement.
• Experience from a high-throughput structural genomics environment with significant output in the number of three-dimensional structures deposited to the Protein Data Bank.
• Experience in recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Experience in sample preparation for biophysical and structural studies, in particular labelling proteins for determination of de novo structures by X-ray.
• Good scientific publication record.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Integrity, enthusiasm, motivation, flexibility, confidence and outstanding collaboration skills.

 
Desirable criteria

• Experience from biophysical characterization of protein-protein interactions.
• Experience from X-ray structural studies of protein-protein interactions.
• Experience within the field of bioinformatics with particular emphasis on structure-function relationship analysis. 

 
To apply:
In order to be taken into consideration for this position you must fill in an online evaluation form. Furthermore you must also send your application by clicking "Apply online" below. The application must include the following appendices: 

• a letter of interest with names and contact details of 2 referees
• a current curriculum vitae
• copies of relevant diplomas
• a complete list of publications

 
For further information, please contact Dr. Mats Wikström by e-mail Mats.Wikstrom@cpr.ku.dk
 
The deadline for applications is 31 august, 2012. Any applications received after this time will not be considered.
Please note that all interested parties are encouraged to apply for the post, regardless of age, sex, race, religion or ethnicity.
 
The Faculty of Health Sciences comprises 12 institutes and 10 study committees. The Faculty employs approx. 2000 employees, including 1.000 teachers and scientist and 1.000 technical /administrative employees. The Faculty has approx 4,500 students, including 750 Ph.D. students. The Faculty creates new knowledge and recognition through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions for the benefit of patients and the community.
 
Apply online

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. With 37,000 students and 9,000 employees, it is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University consists of six faculties, which cover Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.
Deadline: 31-08-2012
Publisher: Faculty of Health Sciences