PhD Position in Structure and Function of Membrane Proteins

A PhD student position is available in the group of Prof. Volodymyr Korkhov at the Department of Biology, ETH Zurich and Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen. The Korkhov group uses structural biology, biochemistry and biophysics to study the structure and function of membrane proteins involved in signal transduction and cholesterol recognition. The group is located at the Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, PSI, Villigen, Switzerland – a research institute with core strengths in structural biology of macromolecular complexes and membrane proteins. Membrane proteins are at the interface between the cells and their environment, and are thus central to multiple cellular signalling pathways. Understanding the structure and function of these proteins is key to understanding how the cellular signalling works. However, until now the inherent difficulties in handling these membrane proteins prevented their detailed in vitro characterisation. The PhD student will study the structure and function of challenging membrane proteins involved in signal transduction – a process that underlies the communication of cells with their environment. The goal of the project will be to provide deep insight into the structural basis of the signal transduction events mediated by membrane proteins/complexes of interest. In pursuit of the project the PhD student will use a broad range of methods, such as recombinant protein expression and purification, lipid bilayer reconstitution, functional and biophysical assays, X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM. The successful candidate must be highly motivated, have the desire to learn new methods and concepts, and have a strong interest in structural molecular biology of membrane proteins. The candidate must hold a Master degree in biochemistry or related discipline. The candidate is expected to be able to work in a team and have good communication skills (working language is English).

A PhD student position is available in the group of Prof. Volodymyr Korkhov at the Department of Biology, ETH Zurich and Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen. The Korkhov group uses structural biology, biochemistry and biophysics to study the structure and function of membrane proteins involved in signal transduction and cholesterol recognition. The group is located at the Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, PSI, Villigen, Switzerland – a research institute with core strengths in structural biology of macromolecular complexes and membrane proteins.

Membrane proteins are at the interface between the cells and their environment, and are thus central to multiple cellular signalling pathways. Understanding the structure and function of these proteins is key to understanding how the cellular signalling works. However, until now the inherent difficulties in handling these membrane proteins prevented their detailed in vitro characterisation. The PhD student will study the structure and function of challenging membrane proteins involved in signal transduction – a process that underlies the communication of cells with their environment. The goal of the project will be to provide deep insight into the structural basis of the signal transduction events mediated by membrane proteins/complexes of interest. In pursuit of the project the PhD student will use a broad range of methods, such as recombinant protein expression and purification, lipid bilayer reconstitution, functional and biophysical assays, X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.

The successful candidate must be highly motivated, have the desire to learn new methods and concepts, and have a strong interest in structural molecular biology of membrane proteins. The candidate must hold a Master degree in biochemistry or related discipline. The candidate is expected to be able to work in a team and have good communication skills (working language is English).

The goal of the project is to provide deep insight into the structural basis of the signal transduction events mediated by membrane proteins and their complexes.

The goal of the project is to provide deep insight into the structural basis of the signal transduction events mediated by membrane proteins and their complexes.

Applications should include a letter of motivation/statement of research interests, a CV, a publication list and details of two referees, and should be sent by e-mail to Prof. Volodymyr Korkhov (volodymyr.korkhov@psi.ch) Additional information can be found here: http://www.psi.ch/lbr/korkhov_-volodymyr

Applications should include a letter of motivation/statement of research interests, a CV, a publication list and details of two referees, and should be sent by e-mail to Prof. Volodymyr Korkhov (volodymyr.korkhov@psi.ch)

Additional information can be found here:
http://www.psi.ch/lbr/korkhov_-volodymyr