The project involves a collaborative ANR/DFG funded grant to determine structural and molecular mechanisms of membrane rupture and repair, using the membrane assembly of large DNA viruses as a model (Krijnse Locker et al., 2013, Cell Micro. 15 pp. 190-199). We recently identified a single viral protein required for rupture and wish to explore the role of both proteins and lipids in membrane rupture/repair.
We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in biochemistry to determine protein/protein and protein/lipid interactions (Haberkant et al., 2015, ACS 10 pp. 222-230) and isolate virally modified membranes from infected cells.
The work is complemented by cryo-EM analyses of protein/lipid complexes (liposomes) performed by other members of the group. The candidate will also collaborate with the group of Britta Brügger (http://bzh.db-engine.de/default.asp?lfn=2241&fg=4289) on lipid mass spectrometry and frequent travel between Paris and Heidelberg should be anticipated.
Institut Pasteur is one of the leading institutes in Europe studying pathogens and host-pathogen interactions. The institute has modern technology platforms for imaging, genetics, protein expression, protein mass spectrometry and cytometry, embedded in the ‘center for innovation and technological research’ (CITECH: https://research.pasteur.fr/en/center/citech/) and with whom the candidate will strongly interact. The research project is embedded in the electron microscopy unit and the depending on the candidate’s motivation, EM techniques could also be part of his/her project.
The position is available immediately for a duration of 2 times one year, with a possible extension.
Applications should be sent by email (jacomina.krijnse-locker@pasteur.fr) as one merged PDF and include CV, research interest (no more than one page) and the names of 3 referees.