Web location http://www.fom.nl/live/english/positions/vacature.pag?objectnumber=82944

Postdoc position: Chaperoning single proteins

Research
Recently it has become possible to follow the folding of a single protein using single-molecule techniques. However, folding pathways are generally studied for isolated proteins, even though interactions with chaperones are known to have a profound effect.

Job description
We have recently shown how a protein folding pathway changes upon interactions with a simple chaperone (Science 318, 2007). The aim of this project is to unravel the effect of more complex chaperones, which are driven by an ATP cycle, and have a far richer dynamical behaviour. This is class of chaperones is central to a proper functioning of all cells, and has been widely studied at a biochemical and structural level. However, little is known about their effect on folding and aggregation pathways and we therefore expect major new findings. This project will benefit from previously developed experimental approach that is based on the laser tweezers technique. This project is in collaboration with the groups of Arnold Driessen (Groningen University), and Bernd Bukau (Heidelberg University).

Location
Biophysics.

Requirements
We are looking for an outstanding experimental physicist, chemist, or biologist with an interest in quantitative biophysical topics. The applicant should have a strong drive to excel in a competitive international environment.
For the PhD position you must meet the requirements for an MSc-degree. For the postdoc position you must meet the requirements for a doctors-degree. FOM prefers candidates who have been obtained their PhD degree abroad and who have not had more than two Postdoc contracts.

Conditions of Employment
You will be employed by the FOM-foundation for a fixed period of 2 years.
Your salary will be up to a maximum of 3,659 euro gross per month, depending on your level of experience.
The conditions of employment of the FOM-foundation are laid down in the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres (CAO-Onderzoekinstellingen), more exclusive information is available at this website under Personeelsinformatie (in Dutch) or under Personnel (in English).
General information about working at FOM can be found in the English part of this website under Personnel. The 'FOM-sollicitatiecode' (in Dutch) applies to this position.

Contact
Dr. Sander Tans
Group leader Biophysics 
Phone: +31 (0)20 608 12 66

Website
www.amolf.nl

Applications
FOM Institute AMOLF
Personnel dept.
Postbus 41883
1009 DB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
application@amolf.nl
Please quote vacancy # 0810.34

Please send your:
- Resume;
- Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).
Applications without this motivation will not be taken into account. However, with this motivation your application will receive our full attention.