Post-Doctoral Position in Protein Crystallography

[HGUO at MED-BIOPHD.BU.EDU]

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	POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN PROTEIN CRYSTALLOGRAPHY AVAILABLE 
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An NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available to work on X-ray 
crystallographic structure determinations. We are investigating the 
mechanism by which glycosylasparaginase (GA) autoproteolyzes the 
single-chain precursor into an active N-terminal nucleophile hydrolase
(Cell 98, 651-661, 1999; J Biol Chem 273, 20205-20212, 1998).  
GA is the prototype of proteins that self-catalyze peptide bond 
rearrangement through an N/O or N/S acyl shift, such as autocleavage of 
hedgehog proteins, protein splicing, maturation of pyruvoyl-dependent 
enzymes, and autoproteolysis of N-terminal nucleophile hydrolase 
precursors (reviewed by FB Perler, Cell 92, 1-4, 1998; Nature Struct Biol
5, 249-252, 1998).  Other areas of interest include protein-DNA and 
protein-RNA interactions in gene regulation.  Many crystals (GA precursor,
GA autocleaved enzyme, and restriction enzyme/DNA complexes) are at hands.

The lab is well equipped to carry out protein expression, purification, 
analysis, and crystallization.  Our in-house X-ray crystallography facilities 
include a Rigaku RU-300 rotating anode generator, R-axis II dual image 
plate detector with mirror optics, adjustable two-theta geometry, and He 
beam path.  Low temperature device for cryo-crystallography and facilities 
for freezing and transporting crystals to synchrotron sources are also 
available.

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals with 
background in protein crystallography.  Candidates should have a Ph.D. 
and experience in macromolecular crystallography.  Research 
experience in molecular biology or protein biochemistry is an advantage 
but not required.  It would also be suitable for anyone having experience in 
macromolecular X-ray crystallography and wishing to gain expertise in 
molecular cloning and/or protein purification.  The position is available 
immediately for qualified candidates who are willing to commit themselves 
to a term of not less than 2 years.  BU is an equal opportunity/affirmative 
action employer.  Interested candidates should submit a CV and arrange for 
3 letters of recommendation to be sent to:

Hwai-Chen Guo, Ph.D.                      phone: (617) 638-4023
Assistant Professor                         fax: (617) 638-4041
Department of Biophysics                 e-mail: hcguo at bu.edu
Boston University School of Medicine
715 Albany Street
Boston, MA 02118-2526