Post-Doctoral Position Available

Calcium release channel: structure and conformational dynamics

A postdoctoral research position is available to work on an NIH funded project to study the structure and conformational dynamics of ryanodine receptor/calcium release channel.  High resolution cryo-electron microscopy and computational image processing, in conjunction with confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer techniques, are being used to determine the three-dimensional structure of ryanodine receptors, and to characterize their conformation dynamics. We are particularly interested in the defective interactions between ryanodine receptor's structural domains and between the receptor and its modulators that physiologically regulate channel functions, and in the abnormal conformational changes that underlie dysfunction of ryanodine receptors. The information will help us to understand the role of ryanodine receptors in excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms, and how the dysfunction of ryanodine receptors leads to cardiac muscle diseases, which in turn may allow rational design of novel therapeutic strategies.

We are particularly interested in candidates with demonstrated experience in working with cryo-EM and confocal fluorescent microscopy. The Resource for the Visualization of Biological Complexity at the Wadsworth Center is a federally supported national biotechnological resource, the Resource is fully equipped for all aspects of cryo-EM (see http://www.wadsworth.org/rvbc/index.html for more detail). The Advanced Light Microscopy and Image Analysis Core also has a state-of-the-art fluorescent microscopy facility (please see http://www.wadsworth.org/cores/alm/index.htm)

For a list of recent publications, please see http://www.wadsworth.org/resnres/bios/liu.htm

Applications, including names and email address of at least three references, should be sent to:

Phone: 518-486-2712; Fax: 518-474-7992
E-Mail: liuz@wadsworth.org