Postdoctoral Associate Position in Structural Biology
The Mittag laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on in vitro biophysics studies of the mechanism of stress granule aging and its role in the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent work (from our lab and others, see e.g., Molliex et al. Cell 163: 123-133, 2015) has revealed that phase separation can promote aggregation of RNA-binding proteins. Solid deposits of these proteins are the pathophysiological hallmark of ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanism by which phase separation enhances aggregation or promotes dynamic arrest of dense phases is unclear and will be the focus of this project. This project is part of a collaboration with Drs. J. Paul Taylor (St. Jude, HHMI) and Dr. Rohit Papu (Washington University in St. Louis).
The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative laboratory focused on elucidating mechanisms and function of biomolecular condensates in the Department of Structural Biology, with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and expertise in NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, single molecule techniques, protein technology, and microscopy. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a Fortune 100 Best Company that offers competitive salary and benefits.
Contact Information
Tanja Mittag, PhD
Department of Structural Biology
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105-3678
E-mail: tanja.mittag@stjude.org
The successful candidate will characterize the effect of mutations on protein oligomerization, phase separation and fibrillization. The candidate will interface with trainees in the other labs and in the process receive interdisciplinary training in phase separation and support with career development.
Given that the project will involve interdisciplinary research at the interface of biophysics, cell biology and polymer theory, the successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in in vitro structural biology or biophysics. The candidate should demonstrate an academic record of excellence, and a strong interest in the growing field of biomolecular condensates.
COVID-19 vaccine:
As of September 10, 2021, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for all employees, excluding those with an approved medical or religious accommodation, as a condition of employment.