POST-DOCTORAL POSITION STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY OF ION CHANNELS

(ref. BAP-2019-526)

A post-doctoral position is available at the Laboratory of Structural Neurobiology, KU Leuven Belgium (http://www.xtal.be). The research in our laboratory is aimed at understanding the molecular mechanism of ligand-gated ion channels. Our method relies on X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM in combination with electrophysiological recordings and fluorescence spectroscopy. Our laboratory hosts an integrated macromolecular crystallization facility with a Mosquito crystallization robot and two RockImagers. Current structural targets include the family of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (Cys-loop receptors), TRP channels and CNG channels.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate:

• easily communicates in an open verbal manner and has a team player spirit
• has an ambitious work ethic
• critically contributes to writing of manuscripts and grant proposals
• makes efforts to obtain independent funding
• meets intermediate deadlines and brings projects to a successful end
• fuels internal discussions of recent publications in the field
• sets an example to younger PhD students in the lab
• identifies directions for future scientific research

Profile

We would like to recruit a post-doc with prior experience in expression, purification and protein crystallization. Prior experience with Nanotemper technology, Biacore and/or peptide chemistry is a major plus.

Offer

The successful candidate can be funded for 3 years pending a positive yearly evaluation.

Interested?

The position is open immediately and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants are requested to submit a CV with publication list and two references. E-mail to chris.ulens@kuleuven.be

Selected lab publications:

Molecular blueprint of allosteric binding sites in a homologue of the agonist-binding domain of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Spurny R, Debaveye S, Farinha A, Veys K, Vos AM, Gossas T, Atack J, Bertrand S, Bertrand D, Danielson UH, Tresadern G, Ulens C.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 May 12;112(19):E2543-52.

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channel ELIC is activated by GABA and modulated by benzodiazepines. Spurny R, Ramerstorfer J, Price K, Brams M, Ernst M, Nury H, Verheij M, Legrand P, Bertrand D, Bertrand S, Dougherty DA, de Esch IJ, Corringer PJ, Sieghart W, Lummis SC, Ulens C. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Oct 30;109(44):E3028-34.

A structural and mutagenic blueprint for molecular recognition of strychnine and d-tubocurarine by different cys-loop receptors. Brams M, Pandya A, Kuzmin D, van Elk R, Krijnen L, Yakel JL, Tsetlin V, Smit AB, Ulens C.

PLoS Biol. 2011 Mar;9(3):e1001034.

You can apply for this job no later than October 31, 2019 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.