A position is available for a post-doctoral researcher and technician  
at the Laboratory for Structural Neurobiology at the KULeuven, Belgium.

http://www.xtal.be

Our research focus is on ion channel homologs from different classes.  
Our strategy to identify targets for structural studies relies on a  
GFP-based pipeline for pre-crystallization screening and nanobody  
technology for purification of GFP fusion proteins. This pipeline has  
been established for E. coli and insect cells and permit scale-up to  
50 liter cultures in Wave bioreactors. Our laboratory hosts an  
integrated macromolecular crystallization facility with a Mosquito  
crystallization robot, 2 RockImagers and an in-house rotating anode X- 
ray source.  In combination with electrophysiological recordings of  
recombinantly expressed ion channels in Xenopus oocytes we aim to  
understand the relationship between structure, function and  
pharmacology of ion channels.

We have ongoing collaborations with Pharma Inc. to aid the rational  
design of new drugs and to facilitate treatment of disorders related  
to dysfunctional ion channels. Our laboratory is also a participant in  
the FP7 consortium Neurocypres devoted to structure, function and  
disease of cys-loop receptors. http://www.neurocypres.eu. We have  
lively interactions with outstanding groups on campus, including the  
ion channel group of Thomas Voets (TRP channels) and the structural  
biology group of Sergei Strelkov.

Prior experience in cloning, cell culture and protein purification  
techniques is required. Post-docs have the opportunity to combine  
research with limited teaching duties and grow into independent  
research careers if desired.
This call is open to citizens of EMBL member states only. Belgian  
citizens or researchers previously employed at KULeuven are excluded.

To apply for this position please send curriculum vitae, a motivation  
letter and the names of at least two references to: chris.ulens at  
med.kuleuven.be
The position is open immediately and applications will be accepted  
until the position is filled.

Selected publications:
Brams M et al. PLoS Biol (2011) in press
Brams M et al. J Biol Chem (2011) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21115477
Ulens C et al. J Med Chem (2009) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19331415
Dutertre S, Ulens C et al. EMBOJ (2007) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17660751
Ulens C et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. (2006). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16505382
Ulens C and Siegelbaum SA. Neuron (2003) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14659094