Dear all,

I would appreciate if you could bring the following PhD position to the 
attention of appropriate candidates. Please apply online at 
https://www.psi.ch/pa/stellenangebote/1426

The Laboratory of Biomolecular Research at the PSI offers a

 PhD Project in Electron Crystallography:
 Structure of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase MuRF1

The group of Dr. Tim Gruene is looking for an ambitious candidate to advance 
the young field of 3D electron crystallography of biomolecular samples. The 
main goal of this project is the structure determination of MuRF1. MuRF1 is an 
E3 Ubiquitin ligase that binds the titin mechanosensor domain in the 
cytoskeleton. The level of MuRF1 is up regulated when muscle tissue is to be 
degraded, e.g. because of inactivation of the muscle, food reduction, but also 
due to aging or chronic diseases. Therefore MuRF1 is of great medical 
interest.

This project will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Olga Mayans,
University of Konstanz, and nanoscale crystals are available. The Laboratory 
of Biomolecular Research is one of the leading institutes in the development 
of 3D electron diffraction of macromolecules. We focus on improving electron
microscopes and data reduction methods for electron diffraction. The structure
of MuRF1 will be one of the first new protein structures determined with 3D
electron crystallography.

As part of this project, training data from know proteins will be used to
improve existing data collection and data processing strategies, and also to
improve existing hardware components.

We offer
========

The LBR has access to several state-of-the-art electron microscopes suitable
for diffraction studies. The project will be carried out as part of a team of
highly skilled and diverse members working together to improve existing
hardware, and methods for data analysis.

The PSI is the largest research centre for natural and engineering sciences
within Switzerland. We perform cutting--edge research in the fields of matter
and materials, energy and environment and human health. PSI is committed to 
the training of future generations. We offer an attractive work environment 
and provide an excellent platform for your future career.

In addition to being a great platform for your future scientific career, PSI
offers very attractive work conditions and competitive salaries. See
https://www.psi.ch/pa/working-at-psi for more details.

Your Skills
===========

General biochemical and/ or chemical lab experience are required. The 
candidate should have experience in crystallographic structure determination 
and an interest in methods development.

The candidate should have a curious mind and be open to combine technologies 
from several fields to dive into a very young field in macromolecular 
structure determination. At PSI, this collaborative project focuses on the 
development of electron crystallography with the goal to de-specialise it and 
open it as technology to other less specialised research groups.

Application
===========

Applications including names of two to three referees and possible start dates
should be submitted online at
https://www.psi.ch/pa/stellenangebote/1426

Please contact me for further inquiries.

Kind regards,
Tim Gruene

-- 
--
Paul Scherrer Institut
Dr. Tim Gruene
- persoenlich -
Principal Investigator
Biology and Chemistry
OFLC/102
CH-5232 Villigen PSI

Phone: +41 (0)56 310 5297

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