[ccp4bb] Postdoctoral position at Auckland

[Alok Mitra <a.mitra@AUCKLAND.AC.NZ>]

Title: Postdoctoral position at Auckland

Dear all:
A postdoctoral position is available in the Mitra Lab at the School of Biological Sciences at University of Auckland to investigate 3-dimensional structure/function of two membrane proteins involved in cation and solute transport using primarily X-ray crystallography, but also electron crystallography when appropriate. Purified protein, either produced by recombinant _expression_ or from natural sources are now available in amounts sufficient for extensive crystal trials, which are ongoing.
The ideal candidate should have a PhD in biochemistry, biophysics or structural biology preferably with an experience in membrane proteins. Previous experience in X-ray crystallography and the use of biophysical techniques for membrane proteins would be an advantage, so also knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques and protein _expression_ both from bacteria and yeast. The position is initially for 2 years and 4 months with a good possibility for extension. The salary will be commensurate with experience.
Our group is part of the Structural Biology Section in the School comprising of 5 other groups. Modern in-house facilities for carrying out all aspects of protein crystallography are available (directed by Prof. Ted baker) as part of the core facility.  The X-ray suite comprises of a Rigaku MicroMax(TM) - 007HR rotation anode equipped with 2x Mar345dtb detectors & 2x Oxford Cryosystems Cobra units. The 3D crystallization suite comprises of a Cartesian HONEYBEE Benchtop Crystallisation System with Perkin Elmer MultiPROBE II HT.  We also have direct access to the Australian Synchotron facility. We have a modern cryo-EM unit comprising of a CM12, a Tecnai12 equipped with a 2K2K GATAN CCD camera and a TecnaiF20 with energy filter to arrive mid 2011 and all ancillary equipments for cryo work. A 600MHZ NMR machine is also available, which is housed in the Chemistry Dept. Details of other facilities available within the school may be found from http://www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/.
Auckland has been voted the 5th most liveable city in the world. The city is dotted with numerous parks and beaches and has a temperate climate. New Zealand is a haven for nature lovers.
Informal enquires can be made to Alok K Mitra (a.mitra@auckland.ac.nz).  The position will be open until filled.