Postdoctoral position

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Molecular Biology, Uppsala Biomedical Center, Uppsala Postdoctoral position Pentose phosphate pathway enzymes as potential drug targets SLU develops the understanding and sustainable use of biological natural resources.This is achieved through research, teaching, environmental monitoring and assessment and information extension.SLU has 3000 employees, 4200 undergraduate and postgraduate students.Main campuses are located at Alnarp, Skara, Uppsala and Umeå.www.slu.se We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to take a leading role in a research program related to enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway.The project involves the biochemical and x-ray structural studies needed to uncover structure/function relationships for the relevant proteins.A long-term goal of this program is to develop drugs against conditions such as tuberculosis and Chagas disease. You will clone, express and purify the relevant enzymes, produce crystals and carry out x-ray crystallographic studies.You will then use the information obtained to identify, and carry out tests of, potential inhibitors in enzymatic assays.Active compounds will be investigated as possible leads in drug design. You will work together with structural biologists at the Department of Molecular Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, located at the Uppsala Biomedical Center.We have a stimulating international environment, with research groups that contribute basic and applied research on proteins in biological systems, and are recognized at the highest international level.Further information about the department and its ongoing research can be found on our web page www.molbio.slu.se.Qualifications: PhD degree within the field of biology with emphasis on biochemistry, carbohydrate metabolism and pathogen biology.Documented experience in computational analysis and x-ray crystallography is highly valued.The applicant should have good communication skills, and proven skills in both oral and written scientific English, as well as a broad background in experimental laboratory techniques.To be appointed as a postdoc, applicant should have been awarded her/his PhD no more than three years ago at the time of application.Form of employment: 1 year employment which can be extended to 2 years.SLU is an equal opportunity employer.The application should include the following: CV, list of publications, copy or other proof of PhD diploma, copies of no more than five publications, a short description (max.1 page) of previous research, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of at least two reference persons.All application documents should be written in English.Applications, marked with ref no 156/10 must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O.