Posted on behalf of Dr. Mark Howarth:
Postdoctoral Fellowship available.
Super-strong protein-ligand interactions: Design, Structural investigation
and Application in Bionanotechnology
The general theme of our research is to develop new biological and chemical
approaches for cellular imaging and disease diagnosis. The interaction of
streptavidin with biotin is one of the strongest non-covalent interactions
in nature. Streptavidin is a ubiquitous tool in molecular biology, as well
as showing success in cancer clinical trials. We have previously made two
advances in streptavidin, generating a monovalent version and a mutant with
10-fold more stable biotin binding. These variants have enabled new
possibilities, such as for single-molecule imaging of receptor traffic,
ultra-sensitive detection, and testing power-generation by DNA pumps. We are
seeking to appoint a postdoc to design variants of streptavidin with new
assembly and ligand-binding properties, to apply these in bionanotechnology,
and to use biophysical approaches (including crystallography) to gain
insight into the fundamental limits of the strength of protein:ligand
binding. Streptavidin typically crystallizes quickly, to produce crystals
diffracting to high resolution. Experience in crystallography is helpful but
training can be provided. A strong background in molecular biology and
recombinant protein expression is required. The appointment will be for 2
years, with possible extension for 1 further year. For initial application
please e-mail a CV, including contact details for 3 referees, to
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