Application Deadline: 

Sunday, June 30, 2019

A postdoctoral position is available at the University of California, Irvine in the area of protein
structure determination by solid-state NMR, specifically of the aggregates of eye lens proteins
found in cataract disease. The goal of this NIH-funded project is to develop and use advanced
solid-state NMR methods for the study of complicated protein aggregates. The group has access
to an 800 MHz instrument, equipped with solution-state and MAS probes, including a unique
crossed-coil 1H/13C/2H/15N MAS probe purpose-built for these experiments. We also have two
dedicated 500 MHz NMR instruments (one solids and one liquids), as well as a fully-equipped
molecular biology laboratory for sample preparation. The ideal candidate will be experienced in
protein structure determination by MAS and interested in using novel instrumentation to solve
biological problems.
The project supports solid-state NMR methods development and structure determination of wildtype
human γS-crystallin in the transparent hydrogel state found in the healthy eye lens, as well
as the aggregates formed by UV-light damaged proteins and cataract-related variants. The Martin
group is experienced in preparation of crystallin proteins: isotopically labeled samples of the
transparent hydrogel of the native crystallin and the aggregates associated with cataract have
been prepared. As part of this project, new NMR methodology will be developed to investigate
the structural factors related to γS-crystallin stability and solubility. Differential isotope labeling
of peptide binders and variant crystallins will be used to identify specific residues involved in
altered intermolecular interactions, followed by full structure determination of cataract
aggregates. Extensive use will be made of deuterated samples and deuterium NMR in the context
of multidimensional NMR experiments.
Candidates must have (or be about to earn) a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline,
and have experience solving protein structures using MAS NMR. Previous experience with pulse
sequence development is desirable but not required.
Please apply online at https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/apply/JPF05254 with a cover letter that also
describes your immediate and long-term research goals, a curriculum vitae including
publications list, and names for three letters of reference (please do not solicit letters). Review of
applications will begin on May 15, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by
the UC nondiscrimination policy.