Postdoc Position: Molecular Mechanisms of Protein Biogenesis
Postdoc Position: Molecular Mechanisms of Protein Biogenesis
Utrecht University - Faculty of Science
Utrecht, Netherlands
Your job
We are working at the interface of biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics to follow the journey of nascent proteins toward their functional structures as they emerge from the ribosome. These mechanistic studies pave the way for targeted interventions against protein misfolding and perturbed protein homeostasis which are important for a number of aging-related diseases, including neurodegeneration, and several forms of cancer.
The research group of Professor Christian Kaiser, which just relocated from Johns Hopkins University to Utrecht, has established single-molecule optical tweezers assays for probing nascent protein folding on the ribosome. These studies have shown how the ribosome and molecular chaperones counter misfolding and help large, multi-domain proteins attain their functional structures. The group is now combining mechanical manipulation with single-molecule fluorescence detection. These in vitro studies are complemented by cellular assays. Collectively, the work is revealing fundamental principles of cellular protein biogenesis.
As a postdoc in our group, you will:
- join a collaborative group working on projects around protein synthesis and folding;
- work in a stimulating scientific environment with top-notch instrumentation and infrastructure;
- master the use of optical tweezers with single-molecule fluorescence detection;
- utilise modern biochemical and molecular biology approaches for sample preparation;
- lead your own project around protein translation, molecular chaperone function and protein folding;
- collect, analyse and interpret single-molecule data and prepare your results for publications and presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
The position is embedded in the research group of Professor Christian Kaiser at the Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research with state-of-the-art facilities, including brand-new molecular biology/biochemistry equipment and single-molecule instrumentation.
Your qualities
We are looking for enthusiastic, highly motivated experimentalists who are eager to participate in our research.
Ideally, you meet several or all of the following criteria:
- a PhD degree in an experimental field related to Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or Biophysics (required);
- a strong track record from your PhD degree studies, documented by your publications;
- a passion for research in biochemistry or biophysics;
- molecular biology and biochemistry skills;
- experience with biophysical techniques, preferably using single-molecule approaches;
- an inclination toward quantitative analyses;
- good communication skills and an interest in working with people from different backgrounds.
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