Job description

Dr. Julien’s laboratory at The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute is looking fora Postdoctoral Fellow to join our Structural Biology team. The successful candidate will participate in the characterization of malaria antigens and antibodies by using a combination of biochemical, biophysical, immunological and structural techniques. We are looking for a driven and enthusiastic scientist who demonstrates passion and creativity towards the structure/function study of important pathogenic targets and who can thrive in a highly-collaborative setting.

 

 Roles & Responsibilities

• Design and optimize constructs for expression in E.coli, insect cells (Sf9) and mammalian cells (HEK 293F);
• Determine X-ray crystal structures of antigens and antigen-antibody complexes;
• Use Electron Microscopy to screen constructs and to determine the molecular structures of antigen-antibody complexes.
• Perform protein engineering to develop immunogens using structure-based approaches.
• Biophysically characterize purified antigens for their Tm, Tagg and polydipersity;
• Perform ITC and BLI binding assays between antigens and purified antibodies to determine binding thermodynamics and kinetics.

 

Desired Skills and Experience

• Structural Biologist with a PhD in Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related field;
• Experience in molecular biology, protein expression in various systems, purification and biophysical characterization (Octet, Optim, ITC, SEC-MALS);
• Strong knowledge in using structural biology to study pathogens and/or immune responses, especially in a context of structure-based vaccine design is a plus;
• Practical experience in using in silico approaches for protein engineering is a plus;
• Demonstrated ability to participate in collaborative scientific projects;
• Organization skills, efficiency and meticulous record keeping.

 

About Us

Dr. Julien's laboratory is interested in the structure/function study of B cell receptors and their interactions with antigens. A better understanding of the structures of B cell surface molecules will serve towards the rational design of improved vaccine immunogens against a variety of pathogens, including malaria and HIV-1. https://lab.research.sickkids.ca/julien/

 

We are located in The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, a new 21-story, 750,000 square-foot facility that incorporates an open-concept design, state-of-the-art research facilities, and collaborative work spaces. As a member of the SickKids community, you will become part of a world-renowned organization dedicated to fulfilling a vision of Healthier Children, A Better World. For over 135 years, SickKids has worked hard to make the world a better place for children and their families. SickKids researchers have developed Pablum, discovered the gene for cystic fibrosis and are on the leading edge of research in a wide range of disciplines. Each day, people around the organization are doing meaningful work that directly, and often indirectly, benefits children in Canada and around the world.

 

Please apply before Oct. 15 by sending a CV and cover letter to: [log in to unmask]. Anticipated start date in early/mid 2019.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Jean-Philippe Julien, Ph.D.

Canada Research Chair in Structural Immunology

Scientist, Program in Molecular Structure & Function, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute

Assistant Professor, Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of Toronto

 

The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute

Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning

686 Bay St. Toronto ON Canada

https://lab.research.sickkids.ca/julien/