Job
Postdoctoral Fellow - Structural Biology and Biophysics
Organization
National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area
Scientific focus area
Biomedical Engineering and Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Structural Biology
About the position
The Structural Bioinformatics group (https://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/researchstaff/labs/porter/index.html) at the National Library of Medicine, located on the main National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus in Bethesda, Maryland, is opening a postdoctoral position in the areas of structural biology and biophysics.
This position would involve biophysical and structural characterization of fold-switching proteins (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-31532-9), which remodel their secondary structures and change their functions in response to cellular stimuli (https://www.pnas.org/content/115/23/5968.short). Depending on the candidate’s background and interests, several projects are possible. Specific projects would involve either characterizing the energetics of fold switching, probing the dynamics of fold-switch transitions, or designing and screening mutational pathways that link proteins with different folds.
Apply for this vacancy
What you'll need to apply
Interested applicants should submit their curriculum vitae (CV), a statement of research interests, and contact information for three references via email to Lauren Porter, PhD at porterll@nih.gov
Contact name
Lauren Porter
Contact email
Qualifications
The applicant should be a creative, motivated individual interested in challenging experimental projects whose results will lay the foundation of an up-and-coming area of protein research.
Applicants who meet the following requirements will be considered for the position:
- Ph.D. in molecular biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field. Applicants close to finishing their Ph.Ds in these areas will also be considered.
- Strong proficiency in protein expression and purification
- Proficiency in molecular cloning
- In-depth understanding of protein structure and protein biochemistry
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Prior experience with at least one of the following techniques is required:
- NMR spectroscopy
- X-ray crystallography
- Cryo-EM
Familiarity with techniques such as Circular Dichroism and Mass Spectrometry and/or knowledge of LINUX and python are favorable, but not required.
Salary will depend on qualifications and be determined based on the current NIH pay scale.
Disclaimer/Fine Print
The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.