Dear colleagues, 

I wanted to draw your attention to an exciting postdoc opportunity in my research group. The research project brings together structural mass spectrometry
(H/D exchange MS), biochemistry and cryoEM to understand how kidney drug transporters work, what is their role in drug toxicity and how to allosterically tune their function. 

The position is funded by the FNRS (National Belgian Science Foundation) for two years with a possible one-year extension. Please see below for details
about the position and how to apply. Do not hesitate to spread the word. 

Many thanks and best wishes, 

Chloé Martens 

Structural Studies of human Solute Carriers (SLCs) involved in drug transport 

A two-year postdoctoral position is available in the group of Dr. Martens. Research in the Martens group focuses
on structural studies of membrane proteins in native-like environment using innovative mass spectrometry-based methods (Martens et al Nat Comm 2018, Martens et al Nat Protocols 2019).  

About the lab 

You will be joining the Structure and Function of Biological Membranes Research Unit within the Chemistry department of the University of Brussels (ULB).
The laboratory is dedicated to advancing a better understanding of the structure, function, and role of biological membranes in cells and cellular organelles. It
is an interdisciplinary workplace, bringing together about twenty researchers and students with different backgrounds, comprising structural biologists, biophysicists and microbiologists. The SFMB research unit has access to
a large platform of technologies for structural studies of proteins and has recognized expertise in cutting-edge biophysical approaches including structural resolution (X-ray, cryo-EM, AFM-IR) and protein dynamics (HDX-MS, DEER, smFRET).  

For a primer on who we are, what we do and our latest publications, see chloemartenslab.com
and sfmb.ulb.be 

Your Job 

You will undertake a new and exciting project, aimed at shedding
light on the mechanism of essential kidney drug transporters from the Solute Carriers family (SLCs). Allosteric modulation of drug transporters is a promising and novel approach to control drug bioavailability and mitigate toxic side-effects. However, the
molecular mechanisms of SLCs are difficult to capture in physiological conditions, undermining efforts to control SLC-mediated drug transport. In this project, you will decipher both the structure and dynamics of SLC transporters by combining cryo-EM microscopy
with new MS-based and biochemical approaches. This will serve as a molecular rationale to screen for and identify specific allosteric modulators of SLCs. 

Profile 

• PhD in a topic related to protein biochemistry or a related field. 
• Strong interest in the role of human transporters in health and disease. 
• A solid publication record with first-author research publication(s) in peer-reviewed international journals. 
• Expertise in biophysical or biochemical methods to study protein structure. 
• Previous experience with mass spectrometry data acquisition and analysis is a plus. 
• Self-motivated, proactive, curious and independent. 
• The ability to work in a multidisciplinary team is a must. 

We offer 

• A fully funded postdoctoral position for 2 years with a possible one-year extension (monthly salary ~2600 euros). 
• A rewarding job where your daily work has long-term impact. You will join a young and dynamic research group and will contribute to shaping the lab’s approach to science. 
• The opportunity to be an active player in the of development of the research group, including involvement in grant writing and in hiring of new members. 

• Paid parental leave, health insurance, unemployment
  benefits, pension rights, child benefits. 
• The leafy Plaine campus of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) a research university located in the heart of the Belgian capital, giving researchers opportunity
  to embrace all the perks of a vibrant European city.  

Starting Date: as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

How to apply? 

Send a CV, a list of publications, a cover letter with a short overview of research activities (max. 3 pages) and the name of two to three references to Chloe.Martens@ulb.be. 

Deadline for applications: 3^rd of May 2022.