Description:

A postdoctoral research associate position in structural biology/biochemistry is immediately available in the laboratories of Prof. Jian Hu (Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) and Prof. Robert Hausinger (Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics) at Michigan State University. We are characterizing the structures and mechanisms of four enzymes associated with the Lar operon (LarA/B/C/E). The lactate racemase LarA contains a recently discovered organometallic nickel-pincer cofactor (Science 2015, 349:66), which is sequentially synthesized by the other three Lar proteins (PNAS 2016, 113:5598, PNAS 2017, 114:9074). The postdoc will work in both laboratories with a focus on structural characterization of the Lar proteins, primarily by X-ray crystallography with the opportunity to also use cryo-EM, while investigating the enzymes by using other biochemical/biophysical methods. The cryo-EM facility will be updated with a Talos Arctica 200 kV FEG Transmission and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope by the end of 2018. This highly productive project has been funded by NSF since 2015 and renewed recently for another three years of support until 2021. To obtain more detailed information, please visit our websites (Hu lab: https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/faculty/jian-hu/current-research/; Hausinger lab: https://mmg.natsci.msu.edu/people/faculty/hausinger-robert-p/).

The successful candidate must be highly self-motivated and have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology or a related field. Hands-on experience in protein expression/purification and structure determination using X-ray crystallography are required. Experience in cryo-EM is viewed favorably. The position will be initially available for one year, with possible renewal based on mutual satisfaction.

Interested individuals should submit a brief cover letter, CV, and the names and the contact information of three referees to Dr. Jian Hu ([log in to unmask]) or to Dr. Robert P. Hausinger ([log in to unmask]). Review of application will start immediately and the position will be open until filled.