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Job Description
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organizations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany) and the outstations are in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy).
The Lemke group at the EMBL studies interactions between intrinsically disordered proteins and structured proteins in vital eukaryotic processes (e.g. the nuclear transport machinery or nucleosome function). Because such highly dynamic systems are inaccessible by most conventional approaches, the group applies a multidisciplinary approach combining single molecule and super resolution techniques with chemical biology tools. Recently we developed a novel strategy that substantially expands our ability to study proteins both in the test tube and also in cells. Our strategy is based on expanding the cell’s protein production machinery to incorporate a genetically encoded artificial, 21st amino acid. This unnatural amino acid harbors a unique, fully biocompatible functionality (cyclooctyne) that reacts specifically with a small synthetic target either in vitro or even within living cells. This novel protein engineering tool enables us to artificially tune protein properties and function. For example, glycoengineering is of particular importance to tailor protein drug stability and activity. Furthermore our approach will facilitate improved high resolution single molecule imaging of biomolecular function by linking proteins to ultra-stable fluorescent dyes.
We are now actively looking for a postdoctoral fellow with a strong interest to push this novel technology into new applications in biological imaging (fluorescence techniques) and for biotechnology and drug discovery (glyocoengineering).
Qualifications and Experience:
The project is well suited for candidates with previous experience in molecular biology, genetic engineering of eukaryotic organisms, protein production and cell culture techniques. An additional interest in advanced fluorescence microscopy studies and in quantitative biology techniques is desired. Most important is an interdisciplinary ethic and the ability to tackle a biological problem with a combination of techniques, ranging from biochemistry to chemistry to biophysical microscopy. Consequently, high interest and motivation are the main selection criteria, and candidates from other disciplines that want to venture into these areas are explicitly welcome to apply.
The group of Dr. Lemke is part of both the Structural and Computational Biology and the Cell Biology and Biophysics Units at the EMBL, featuring a large range of groups spanning various techniques from the molecular to the systems level. Applicants should feel comfortable working in such an interdisciplinary and international environment to fully utilize this opportunity. |
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