Job Openings

Biochemistry Technician

We are looking for a Research Techincian who is experienced in protein chemsitry to join our group. She/he will work on a project characterizing membrane transporter proteins using biochemical and structural approaches. Techniques involved include bacterial cell culture, protein purification and crystallization. Two years research experience or a Masters degree is desired. Training can be provided if necessary. The successful candidate is also expected to spend an half of a day per week to manage the laboratory.

Graduate Student Position

Positions are available for Ph.D. students to study the structure and mechanism of membrane transporters. Membrane transport in cells is a fundamental biological process that is mediated by transporter proteins, and many transporters have medical or pharmacological relevance. Two possible projects are: (1) structure-function relationship of the E. coli glycorel-3-phosphate transporter (GlpT). Our group has recently determined the structure of GlpT in its unliganded form by X-ray crystallography to 3.3 Å resolution. The structure suggests a "Rocker-switch" mechanism for substrate translocation. We intend to test this mechanism by a combination of mutagenesis, functional assays and spectroscopic approaches. We are also trying to determination the structure of GlpT in its liganded forms. (2) crystallization and structure determination of bacterial amino acid transporters. These proteins are homologues of mammalian neurotransmitter transporters, which play central roles in various synaptic activities in the central nerve system.