A PhD position for a chemist, biochemist or physicist is available immediately at the Universität Düsseldorf, Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Physikalische Chemie Prof. C.A.M. Seidel, to work on an interdisciplinary single molecule research project "Conformational dynamics and structure of proteins studied by super-resolution Förster-Resonance-Energy-Transfer (FRET)" funded by the German Science Foundation. The candidate should be capable of performing sample preparation, protocol development, and quantitative data interpretation. A strong interest in structural biology and fluorescence spectroscopy is a prerequisite. Your experimental work will be in close contact with the theoretical work of the group. Prior knowledge of the German language would be an asset but can be acquired during the stay. Prof Seidel is associated to three graduate schools. If desired the candidate can apply for membership in one of these graduate schools (www.ihrs-biosoft.de; www.uni-duesseldorf.de/iGRAD o!
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Project: While X-ray crystallography reveals snapshots of proteins at atomic resolution, many biomolecules are inherently dynamic. In several cases, low populated conformational states are overlooked or simply not accessible using conventional structural-biology tools. FRET that is considered a low-resolution tool has not yet received much attention in the field. However, recent developments in Prof. Seidel's group have shown the ability to reconstruct nucleic acid structures using super-resolution FRET [Methods in Enzymology 475, 455-514 (2010), J. Am. Chem. Soc. 133, 2463-2480 (2011)]. This project combines multiple ensemble and single-molecule fluorescence techniques to determine the structure and dynamics of proteins. Using our tools for super-resolution FRET a special focus is on detailed characterization and 3D architecture of helical structures. Utilizing the unique single-molecule advantage several conformational states and their exchange rates can be detected simult!
aneously. Novel tools in microfluidics and photochemistry can be developed as well.
Further information on the group is available at: http://www.mpc.uni-duesseldorf.de. We are committed to equal opportunities.