We are recruiting a postdoc for a computational structural biology project
that investigates the role of water networks at protein ligand interfaces
with a view towards ligand discovery. The position is available immediately
and NIH funded for 5 years.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with curiosity and skills to
reveal hidden factors that contribute to protein-ligand binding and
leverage this information for ligand discovery. As this project integrates
experimental and computational data it will require both a solid background
in structural biology and significant computational skills for custom data
analysis and automation. The project is embedded into a dynamic lab that
has strong expertise in modulating protein conformational ensembles with
ligands and temperature (see references below).

The project is housed in the Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics
,
and Structural Biology

at
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It builds on strong investments into
a world-class infrastructure in structural and chemical biology. This is an
exciting time to join us and build a career while living in an affordable
city. This postdoc position is NIH funded for 5 years.

Please direct your questions and application package including a cover
letter, current CV, and 3 letters of reference to: Dr. Marcus Fischer (
marcus.fischer@stjude.org).

Relevant papers include:

– Bradford et al. (2021). Temperature artifacts in protein structures
bias ligand-binding predictions. *Chemical Science*.
DOI: 10.1039/D1SC02751D
– Fischer (2021). Macromolecular room temperature crystallography. *Q
Rev Biophys* 54. E1
– Darby et al. (2019). Water Networks Can Determine the Affinity of
Ligand Binding to Proteins. *JACS* 141, 15818-26.
– Balius et al. (2017). Testing inhomogeneous solvation theory in
structure-based ligand discovery. *PNAS* E6839-46.
– Fischer et al. (2015). One crystal, two temperatures: cryocooling
penalties alter ligand binding to transient protein sites. *Chembiochem*
1560-64.
– Fischer et al. (2014). Incorporation of protein flexibility &
conformational energy penalties in docking screens to improve ligand
discovery. *Nature Chemistry* 6, 575-83.

More info at:

https://www.stjude.org/fischer
Minimum Education

– PhD in structural biology or related field

Minimum Experience

– High proficiency in coding incl Python
– Interest in dynamic aspects of structural biology including protein
flexibility and hydration

Optional requirements:

– Hands-on molecular biology and crystallography experience

https://postdoc-stjude.icims.com/jobs/8641/postdoctoral-research-assoc/job

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