Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields


Post-doctoral Training Fellow at The Francis Crick Institute


The Francis Crick Institute, The Francis Crick Institute , United Kingdom
Application deadline: 16 Jun 2021


Project summary

We are seeking an ambitious Project Research Scientist to join a close collaboration with the group of Dr. Teresa Thurston, Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, to study the mechanism by which bacterial virulence proteins (effectors) interfere with host cell signalling and immune responses. This project is focussed on the effector SteE from Salmonella, which induces an amino acid and substrate switch in the host serine/threonine kinase GSK3 to drive macrophage polarisation and alter the host inflammatory response. Using a broad range of structural and biophysical techniques you will determine the underlying mechanism and structural changes required to drive this unprecedented switch in substrate specificity of a kinase and investigate if this mechanism might be conserved across species. The successful candidate will be located primarily at the Crick and will have access to excellent state-of-the-art facilities but will work in close collaboration with the Thurston group and a newly appointed postdoc at Imperial College who will study the cellular functions of SteE and its effects on the host metabolome. This is an ideal opportunity for a structural biologist to gain experience in cell biology and infection studies and work in an established collaboration and multi-disciplinary team across the Crick and Imperial College.

Postdoctoral Scientists are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team is essential.

 

The Research Group

Rittinger lab

Our group is interested in the role of protein ubiquitination in the regulation of cell signalling, especially during immune and inflammatory signalling. In parallel, we are investigating the mechanisms by which bacterial and viral pathogens interfere with host cell signalling pathways to suppress the host immune response and create a niche for their survival. We are employing a broad array of structural, biochemical and biophysical approaches to gain insight into the protein-protein interactions and regulatory mechanism that drive these processes. Furthermore, we apply chemical biology approaches to develop chemical tools to support our work.

Further information about the group can be found at:

https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/katrin-rittinger

 

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

  • PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics or related disciple or be in the final stages of PhD submission
  • Good knowledge and experience in molecular biology techniques and recombinant protein production using different systems (bacterial, insect cell, mammalian cells)
  • Proven expertise in X-ray crystallography and biochemical techniques
  • Strong collaborative skills and teamwork experience
  • Capability to provide intellectual leadership
  • Experience of experimental design
  • Ability to work independently
  • Eagerness to embrace the collaborative nature of this project between the Crick and Imperial College London
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to approach research problems with initiative and flexibility

Desirable 

  • Experience in Cryo-EM
  • Experience in biophysical techniques for the study of protein-protein interaction
  • Experience of collaborative working across disciplines

Apply here 

The Francis Crick Institute , United Kingdom

Post-doctoral Training Fellow at The Francis Crick Institute