JOB DESCRIPTIONS:

Several projects are currently active in the lab and we welcome applicants who are interested either in a specific project or more generally in the type of research we are pursuing.

(1) Determine structures of intercellular junctions with electron tomography. Initial structures of epidermal desmosomes has revealed the organization and interactions of cadherin molecules within the intercellular gap. We have set up conditions for cell culture of skin cells in order to follow the time sequence of junction assembly. We have obtained transgenic mice for study of defective junctions lacking specific protein components. We have isolated desmosomes from cow snouts in order to compare structures from plastic embedded and frozen-hydrated structures. Finally, we are implementing the methods of frozen-hydrated ultramicrotomy in order to image tissue slices in the unstained, frozen state. For all of these studies, our goal is to obtain sufficient resolution to recognize and fit specific molecular components, thus deriving an architectural understanding of the various types of intercellular junctions.

(2) To determine the structure of ATP-dependent ion pumps (P-type ATPases) by cryoelectron microscopy of 2D crystals and x-ray diffraction of 3D crystals. Our lab has lots of experience with Ca-ATPase and Na,K-ATPase has more recently expanded to related transporters from bacterial sources that transport transition or heavy metals. Specifically we have crystallized CopA within lipid membranes and are determining the structure of various construction by cryoelectron microscopy and helical image analysis.

(3) To establish high throughput methods for 2D crystallization of membrane proteins. Although electron crystallography is a proven method for structure determination and has proven particularly effective for membrane proteins, there have been relatively few examples in the literature. One huge bottleneck is the inability to screen large numbers of crystallization conditions prior to undertaking structure determination. Such screening has become imperative in the field of x-ray crystallography. We seek to establish similar methods for electron microscopy, using liquid handling robots for setting up crystal trials and specialized hardware/software for automatically screening the resulting samples by electron microscopy.

JOB REQUIREMENTS (applies to either position):

PhD degree. Relevant experience would include electron microscopy, 3D reconstruction, protein biochemistry, crystallization, processing of tissue, and cell culture, depending on the project. Good computer skills including some programming are also desirable as most of our image processing is done with Linux.

TO APPLY:

Please send your C.V. and names of 3 references to David Stokes.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Until filled.

Graduate Training Program in Structural Biology

A Partnership between NYU and NIH offers a unique opportunity for graduate training, which complements the more conventional training program in Structural Biology at NYU.
Both of these programs are administered through the Sackler Institute, which also offers a variety of other training opportunities.