The Deaconescu Lab at Brown University has two openings for postdoctoral researchers. The laboratory's interest is the interplay between DNA repair, transcription and other cellular processes ensuring microbial adaptation to stressful environments. They deploy a combination of biochemical, biophysical and structural techniques. (e.g. X-ray crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy). For examples of work, please see Brugger et al, Nature Communications (2021), Dorich et al., Genes and Development (2019), Le et al. Cell (2018), Vemu et al., Science (2018), Kutter et al. JMB (2016), Szyk et al, Cell (2014). Positions are partially or completely funded from NIH grants.
The first position is focused on protein purification, characterization and structure determination by X-ray crystallography. Previous experience with biophysical methods (ITC, MST, fluorescence) and enzymatic assays a plus.
The second position will be focused on cryo-EM. A successful candidate should be familiar with specimen preparation, data collection as well as the processing of images acquired using electron cryo-microscopy. They have our own Vitrobot for specimen vitrification and access to state-of-the art electron microscopes at Stanford/SLAC (remote data collection is possible) as well as a computing cluster. If needed further training in EM can be provided.
The candidates should also have the following qualifications: a Ph.D. in the field of structural biology or related field; an established track-record of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Must be highly motivated and work independently as well as in a team. Excellent spoken and written English are required. New Ph.D. graduates are encouraged to apply. The lab has its own Vitrobot, multiple protein purification platforms and a crystallization robot etc. Access to EM facilities also available.
Interested candidates should send a CV, one page research experience summary and contact information for three references to alexandra_deaconescu@brown.edu.
Salary and starting date are negotiable. Please write Postdoctoral Candidate in the e-mail subject header. Brown University, an Ivy League school, is located less than one hour away by train from Boston.
