VIB is a non-profit research institute in life sciences. About 1,300 scientists conduct strategic basic research on the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the functioning of the human body, plants, and microorganisms. Through a close partnership with four Flemish universities − UGent, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel − and a solid funding program, VIB unites the forces of 83 research groups in a single institute. The goal of the research is to extend the boundaries of our knowledge of life. Through its technology transfer activities, VIB translates research results into products for the benefit of consumers and patients and contributes to new economic activity. VIB develops and disseminates a wide range of scientifically substantiated information about all aspects of biotechnology. More information: www.vib.be

A three year postdoctoral position is available in the group of Prof. R. Loris (VUB – VIB) to work on either molecular mechanisms of persister formation or plant cell cycle regulation. The group uses a combination of protein chemistry, structural biology and molecular biophysics to unravel mechanisms of action and regulation.

The successful candidate will perform work in the areas of biochemistry (cloning, site-specific mutagenesis, protein expression and purification), structural biology (crystallization and crystal structure determination of proteins as well as cryo-EM) and molecular biophysics (measuring protein-protein interactions). You are prepared to help guiding PhD and master thesis students. You will also be asked to contribute in a limited way (about 2 weeks/year) to practicals for students at bachelor and master level.

Selected references to previous work:

• Loris R., Garcia-Pino A. (2014) Disorder and dynamics-based regulatory mechanisms in toxin-antitoxin modules. Chem. Rev. 114, 6933-6947.
• Castro-Roa D., Garcia-Pino A., De Gieter S., van Nuland N.A.J., Loris R., Zenkin N. (2013) The Fic protein Doc uses an inverted substrate to phosphorylate and inactivate EF-Tu. Nat. Chem. Biol. 9, 811-817 (doi: 10.1038/nchembio.1364).
• Garcia-Pino A., Balasubramanian S., Wyns L., Gazit E., De Greve H., Magnuson R.D., Charlier D., van Nuland N.A.J., Loris R. (2010) Allostery and intrinsic disorder mediate transcription regulation by conditional cooperativity. Cell 142, 101-111.

Profile

• You have recently obtained or will shortly obtain a PhD in an area relevant to structural biology.
• You are communicative and able to work in a team.
• You are fluent in English (written and oral).
• You have experience with molecular biology techniques (cloning, site-specific mutagenesis, protein expression) and biochemistry (in particular protein purification).
• You are knowledgeable in structural biology and have experience in either X-ray crystallography (including experimental phasing) or electron microscopy.
• Additional experience with ITC is a plus.
• Your expertise can be proven by peer reviewed first author papers.
• You have not worked in Belgium for at least 3 years and are therefore eligible to receive a post-doctoral grant.

We offer

• A three year postdoc grant depending on a yearly evaluation
• A professional, stimulating and well-equipped work environment
• Starting date between Jan and Dec 2015 depending on the possibilities of the successful candidate