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Predoctoral Research Position in “Structural Biology of Genomic Macromolecular Complexes”

Job Summary

We have an immediately available predoctoral position in the laboratory of Dr. Guillermo Abascal-Palacios (https://www.biofisika.org/en/research/structural-biology-genomic-macromolecular-complexes-laboratory) at Instituto Biofisika - Basque Centre for Biophysics (CSIC-UPV/EHU). We are looking for highly motivated candidates interested in pursuing a doctoral thesis in the study of genome-interacting complexes through state-of-the-art structural biology tools. The position is initially funded for 20 months, and the candidates are expected to apply for competitive PhD fellowship applications.

Job Description

Description of the project and position offered
The "Structural Biology of Genomic Macromolecular Complexes" laboratory focuses on the study of protein complexes that interact with DNA/RNA, with the aim of determining the molecular mechanisms responsible for their function. To achieve this goal, we carry out a combined process that includes protein complexes cloning and expression techniques, purification using chromatographic tools and their subsequent analysis using biophysical and structural biology methods such as cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) or X-ray crystallography. The ultimate goal is to determine a high-resolution molecular structure that shows enzymatic activity at the atomic level and that can contribute to the development of drugs against diseases such as colorectal cancer or certain neurological disorders.
The selected candidate will participate in a research project aimed at understanding the relevance of transposons or mobile genetic elements in the development of cancer and other human pathologies. With this objective, the candidate will carry out research work focused on biochemical, biophysical and structural biology analyses of transposons and other protein-DNA/RNA complexes. Instituto Biofisika (IBF) has a wide variety of technical and scientific equipment, which will be at the disposal of the researcher during his/her doctoral thesis. In particular, the Institute hosts the first Titan Krios G4 cryo-electron microscope in Spain and one of the most advanced in the world at the moment, which allows the determination of atomic structures at an unprecedented level. In addition, the researcher is expected to participate in national and international conferences and courses, where they will have the opportunity to share their results and expand their knowledge. For more details on the techniques that will be used visit: Nature Communications, 2021, 12(6992); Nature Communications, 2020, 11(6409) or Nature, 2018, 553(7688).

Education and Experience Required
The ideal candidate must hold an official Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or similar, and be in possession or enrolled in an Official Master Program in the 2022/2023 academic year. An excellent academic Grade record (greater than 8 on a 1 to 10 scale) to be competitive in PhD fellowship applications will also be positively valued. Previous research work experience and fluency in English will be highly considered.

Suitable candidates can apply for this position by sending the following information to guillermo.abascal@ehu.eus:
• An updated Curriculum Vitae.
• Academic Record
• A motivation letter (max. 1 page).
• Two reference letters or contact email of referees.

Benefits

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