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The Laboratory of Biomolecular Research at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland, is advertising for a Postdoc position from the NanoArgovia Programm of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI). This project is granted for one year and extendable to 2 years.
The project is based on Electron Diffraction Crystallography on proteins either photosensitive or involved in pharma applications. The PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland and hosts a synchrotron, the X-ray free electron laser SwissFEL and an electron microscopy facility. The BIO division together with their PSI detector group has developed a unique instrument for electron diffraction with a dedicated ED-detector based on PSI detector technology.
Their laboratory is focused on studying the mechanism of action of membrane proteins, including structural dynamics, as well as studying the structural and functional role of tubulin in the cell, with a focus on developping personalized medecine tools/strategies.
A selection of recent publications can be found here
The project will focus on the structural determination of proteins using electron diffraction. Although most structures are determined at high resolution using X-ray diffraction, the properties of electrons give them the advantage to deliver even higher resolution and the possibility to see hydrogens. The project will address several questions around mechanisms involving hydrogen bond displacements in enzymes and membrane proteins.
The selected postdoc will crystallize the proteins, a soluble one and a membrane protein, with already established protocols, optimize the crystal size using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) milling and collect the data at the transmission electron microscope in diffraction mode. Similar experimental data will be compared to the performance of a table top electron diffractometer prototype used in the pharma field.
All devices and state of the art equipment for protein expression, purification and crystallisation are located at the Paul Scherrer Institute, including the FIB/SEM device and a dedicated cryo-electron diffraction microsocope. The tabletop electron diffractometer is close to it, in the region of Bale in Switzerland.
The position is intended for 2 years and to be filled as soon as possible. Experience in FIB/SEM-lamellae preparation, electron diffraction and/or crystallography would be beneficial.
The applicants should send their CV and a cover letter to: valerie.panneels@psi.ch Informal inquiries can be also addressed to the same e-mail.
