Postdoctoral Research Associate in Membrane Protein Biophysics,
Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute,
Worcester MA, USA

A position is available in the Fall 2009 for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the mechanism of ion conductance of novel membrane proteins using a combination of fluorescence and electrophysiological methods in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester MA. We seek an individual who has previous experience with voltage clamp and/or patch clamp and this experience should be documented with at least one publication. The researcher will have the opportunity to perform structure-function studies designed to better understand the mechanism of ion selectivity using a combination of molecular biology, protein chemistry and biophysical approaches. Applicants should have good organizational skills and interact/collaborate with other lab members. Candidates should submit their curriculum vita, a cover letter describing their qualifications, a short description of research interests and contact information for at least two references by email to Professor Robert E. Dempski: rdempski@wpi.edu. Applications will be considered until position is filled.

Worcester, Massachusetts is the second largest city in New England and is located less than an hour west of Boston and within driving distance of both the seashore and various mountain activities. The city is noted for both educational and cultural facilities as well as the Massachusetts Biotechnology Research Park which houses the research facilities for various companies.

References
1) Geys, S., Bamberg, E., and Dempski, R.E. Ligand-dependent effects on the conformational equilibrium of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase as monitored by voltage clamp fluorometry. Biophysical Journal. 96 (2009).
2) Duerr, K.L., Tavraz, N.N., Dempski, R.E., Bamberg, E., and Friedrich, T. E2-specific transmembrane intersubunit interactions of Na,K- and H,K-ATPase revealed by Voltage-Clamp Fluorometry. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 284, 3842-3854 (2009).
3) Dempski, R.E., Lustig, J., Friedrich, T., and Bamberg, E. Structural arrangement and conformational dynamics of the gamma subunit of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Biochemistry, 47, 257-266 (2008).
4) Dempski, R.E., Hartung, K., Friedrich, T., and Bamberg, E. Fluorometric measurements of intermolecular distances between the alpha and beta subunits of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 281, 36338-36346 (2006).
5) Dempski, R.E., Friedrich, T., and Bamberg, E. The beta subunit of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase follows the conformational state of the holoenzyme. Journal of General Physiology, 125, 505-520 (2005).