The University of Cambridge wishes to appoint two Postdoctoral scientists to join the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit.
The post holders will work within a programme focussed on mitochondrial transporter proteins. Transport processes are crucial for the functioning of mammalian mitochondria and mutations in transport proteins cause of a wide range of metabolic, neuromuscular and developmental diseases. Basic molecular understanding of the regulatory and transport mechanism of transporters is required to understand their role in health and disease. This project is part of a collaborative Sinergia – SNF grant together with Prof. Dr. Matthias Hediger and Prof. Dr. Martin Lochner of the University of Bern.
Post 1 – A Cell Biologist is needed to join the research groups of Drs. Edmund Kunji and Julien Prudent.
The goal of the project is to study the precise location and function of calcium-regulated mitochondrial transport proteins. The post-holder will participate in every stage of the process, from the generation of expression strains or cell lines, gene editing, generation of molecular probes, and imaging by advanced light and electron microscopic techniques. There will also be an opportunity to study their role and function using a range of other biochemical and biophysical techniques. Candidates will have a PhD in Cell Biology or related disciplines, and a track record of related research achievements. Extensive experience in cell biology, microscopy, and intracellular calcium homeostasis analysis are essential.
Post 2 (Start Date 1 September 2019) – A Structural Biologist is needed to join the research group of Dr. Edmund Kunji.
The goal of the project is to study the structures of transport proteins in different conformational states by electron cryo-microscopy and/or x-ray crystallography, and to apply these techniques to study disease variants. The post-holder will participate in every stage of the process, from the generation of expression strains or cell lines, isolation of mitochondria, purification of transporters, sample preparation, data acquisition and processing, and structure model building and interpretation. There will also be an opportunity to study their role and function using a range of biochemical and biophysical techniques.
Candidates will have a PhD in Biochemistry or Biophysics or related disciplines, and a track record of related research achievements. Extensive experience of protein purification and structural biology are essential.
The MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit is a world-renowned centre for mitochondrial research. Additional information can be found at www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk.
For instructions on how to apply, please refer to: http://bit.ly/2SMrEFb
