Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields


Postdoctoral position in structural biology


University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Application deadline: 01 Oct 2020


The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto invites applications for the Postdoctoral position (Limited Term) to join the SGC’s structural biology team to investigate the structure, mechanism and druggability of human WD-repeat (WDR) domain containing proteins using X-ray crystallography, biochemistry and biophysics. WDRs are protein-protein interaction hubs that are often found in key regulatory complexes involved in ribosomal biogenesis, epigenetic regulation, cell cycle control and DNA repair (see Schapira et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd.2017.179), (Grebien et al, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio.1859) and (Getlik et al., 2016, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01630). Many WDR proteins are associated with diverse diseases, especially cancer, yet the majority of them are understudied. We have demonstrated the druggability of WDR proteins and seek to develop chemical biology tools to elucidate the function and therapeutic potential of select members of this family. This multidisciplinary project is in collaboration with several AI-based drug-discovery companies, academic labs as well as pharmaceutical companies. The successful candidate will have a broad knowledge of protein biochemistry and X-ray crystallography, a passion for scientific research as applied to drug discovery, and be eager to work as a team player in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or related field, with at least one first authored publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal.
  • Strong experience with recombinant protein expression, and purification, is required.
  • Experience in X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM is highly desirable.
  • Experience with in vitro biophysical methods for protein-protein and protein-ligand interaction studies (e.g. DSF, SPR, FP, FRET, ITC, etc…) is valuable.
  • Strong communication skills, particularly the visual presentation of structural data.
  • Ability to work in a team, communicate, and give/receive constructive feedback and high attention to detail, excellent organizational and documentation skills.
  • Experience in preparing manuscripts for submission to peer review publications/journals and presenting findings at meetings and conferences.

To Apply:

Please forward your CV and contact information for 2-3 references to l.halabelian@utoronto.ca with the subject line “WDR Postdoc”. Position will remain open until filled.

Toronto, Canada

Postdoctoral position in structural biology