Full Description:
A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available immediately to continue a
successful collaborative study on the molecular mechanisms of action
for the phytochrome family of photoreceptors. Phytochromes are a
unique class of biliproteins that enable the detection of red and
far-red light via photoconversion between two stable conformers, a
ground state Pr form that absorbs red light, and a photoactivated Pfr
state that absorbs far-red light. Phytochromes were first
discovered in higher plants where they direct much of plant
photomorphogenesis and have more recently been found throughout the
microbial world. We have recently made great strides in
understanding how phytochromes function at the atomic level, including
the recent solution of the first structure of the photosensing region
in the Pfr state. The postdoctoral fellow will be part of a
larger team of scientists using a combination of x-ray
crystallographic, solution NMR, and single-particle electron
microscopic approaches to determine how rotation of the bilin
chromophore during photoconversion is transduced into various signaling
cascades. Ultimately, the project hopes to redesign phytochromes
for agricultural benefit and as novel cellular photoswitches and
fluorophores.
Recent publications derived from the
project include:
Karniol et al. (2005) Biochem. J. 392: 103-116.
Wagner et al. (2005) Nature 438: 325-331.
Wagner et al. (2007) J. Biol. Chem. 282: 12298-12309.
Wagner et al. (2008) J. Biol. Chem. 283: 12212-12226.
Ulijasz et al. (2008) J. Biol. Chem. 283:
21251-21266.
Cornilescu et al. (2008) J. Mol. Biol. 383: 403-413.
Ulijasz et al. (2009) J. Biol. Chem. 284: 29757-29772.
Ulijasz et al. (2010) Nature 463: 250-254.
The University Wisconsin is a center of excellence
in all aspects of biology with top-flight facilities for x-ray
crystallographic and NMR-based structural approaches. The
University is located in Madison, the capitol of Wisconsin.
Madison is a diverse community, which boasts an exceptional living
environment with numerous cultural, sport and recreational activities
close by.
Requirements: Ph.D in
structural biology or related areas. Experience with various
molecular and atomic structure techniques and a broad background in
protein chemistry would be very helpful. A competitive salary
(commensurate with experience), fringe benefits including health
insurance, and travel support to meetings are available. Funding
is for at least 2 years with additional years possible depending on
funding. The University of Wisconsin is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Application Instructions: Send
CV, copies of relevant publications, a cover letter detailing
experience, and three letters of recommendations to:
Dr. Richard D. Vierstra,
Department of Genetics, 425-G Henry Mall, University of Wisconsin,
Madison WI 53706 or by email at
vierstra@wisc.edu.
Questions about this position can be addressed via emai or by phone
(608-262-8215). Applications will be accepted until a suitable
candidate is hired.
