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POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY AVAILABLE in the laboratory of Tiina A. Salminen at the Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory (SBL), Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Abo Akademi University, Finland. http://www.abo.fi/fakultet/en/biokemisbl Project: Role of Siglec-mediated conformational motions and functional interactions in leukocyte adhesion
with relevance to targeting of inflammatory disease The project focuses on characterization of the multifaceted interactions between Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglec-10 and Siglec-9) and human vascular adhesion protein -1 (hVAP-1), which is an adhesion protein involved in leukocyte trafficking and an enzyme with amine oxidase activity. The adhesive and enzymatic functions of hVAP-1 are linked and, thus, inhibitors of its enzymatic activity could be used in treating acute and chronic inflammatory conditions and in preventing tumor progression and metastasis. The major aim of this project is to elucidate the functional dynamics of Siglec-hVAP-1 interactions in leukocyte adhesion. Our ultimate goal is to utilize the obtained information for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes to develop better tools for imaging inflammation and to design novel ligands, which can be further developed for anti-inflammatory agents. SBL is located at the Abo Akademi University (official language Swedish) in Biocity, Turku. Our laboratory is well equipped with facilities for protein purification, crystallization and in situ X-ray imaging of crystals (PX Scanner, Agilent) and computational resources for 3D structure determination and structural bioinformatics. Applicants are expected to have: (1) PhD degree and good knowledge of protein structure and molecular interactions, (2) experience in protein expression, purification, crystallization, data collection and structural analysis of macromolecules and (3) experience in biophysical methods for analysis of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions. Candidates do not need to fulfill all the qualifications but experience in laboratory work on some of the above listed areas is essential. Since the project is done in collaboration with a PhD student and several external collaborators the applicant should enjoy working in a collaborative environment. Good knowledge of written and spoken English is required. Salary: The salary will be based on the demand level 5 of the salary system in Finnish Universities and includes a component based on personal performance. Duration: 1.9.2015- 31.8.2019 (funded by Academy of Finland; possibility for shorter contracts) Application: The application should include 2-3 pdf files: (1) a brief statement describing expertise and research interests and (2) CV with list of publications and contact information of 1-2 references (or letter of recommendation) by e-mail to tiina.salminen(at)abo.fi with a subject line “Postdoctoral position”. Candidates are encouraged to send applications before 27.7.2015. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants will be evaluated based on qualifications and suitability for the project. -- Tiina Salminen, PhD, Adjunct professor in structural biochemistry Senior lecturer in structural biochemistry and bioinformatics Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering Abo Akademi University Tykistökatu 6A FIN-20520 Turku Finland