The unit of Immunology and General Pathology of the department of Molecular Medicine of the University of Pavia, in Northern Italy, is looking for a post-doctoral researcher in structural biology for a three-year appointment.
Their laboratory has worked, since co-discovering the Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor in the mid-1980s, on the structural aspects of HGF/SF binding to and activation of the MET tyrosine kinase receptor and the role of the co-receptor heparan sulphate. The work has yielded insights into the structures of these complex proteins and formed the basis for the design of novel inhibitors and recombinant agonists. We recently developed, through structure-based rational design, a potent agonist called K1K1 that is currently being tested for treatment of common chronic and acute diseases affecting lung and liver in collaboration with academic groups in France and a large international pharmaceutical company.
The project will focus on the full structural characterisation and mechanistic understanding of receptor activation by K1K1 and the role of heparan in this using cryo-EM, SAXS, and protein crystallography. The department of Molecular Medicine is fully equipped for structural biology with protein expression and crystallisation facilities, a Glacios 200 kV cryo-EM microscope, and regular access to the ESRF and other European beamlines. Expertise is shared among several groups working in the field of biochemistry and protein structure. The University of Pavia, one of the oldest academic institutions in the world, offers a stimulating environment while the city itself is vibrant and conveniently located between the Alps, the Apennines, and the stunning Ligurian coast.
Applicants can apply through the following link where the project is identified as medmol-2023-b03 (responsible person: Hugo de Jonge).
For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Hugo de Jonge at hugo.dejonge@unipv.it.
