A PhD position to study membrane dynamics of large DNA viruses

You will join the group of Dr. Jacomine Krijnse Locker (CellNetworks member),
which is part of the electron microscopy core facility and the department
of infectious diseases, virology, to study molecular and morphological
aspects of viral membrane assembly. This DFG-funded project is a
collaboration with the group of Damian Devos (COS) and of Ana García-Sáez (DKFZ).

Project details.
Electron tomography studies showed that members of the nucleocytoplasmic
large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) acquire their membrane from open membrane
intermediates derived from the ER (Chlanda et al., 2009;
reviewed in Krijnse Locker et al., 2013). The aim is to identify and characterize
the (viral) proteins involved in membrane rupture and biogenesis of the
viral membrane. The initial part of the project involves bio-informatics to
search for viral proteins within the NCLDV- group sharing a secondary or
tertiary structure (together with Dr. Devos; (Santarella-Mellwig et al., 2010)).
Putative candidate genes will be cloned and expressed in liposomes and
membrane modifying properties determined biophysically (together with Dr. Garcia)
and by EM.  The role of specific proteins will be tested in infected cells
using recombinant, inducible, viruses and electron tomography.
Applicants should have a keen interest in cell biology (membrane dynamics)
and electron microscopy. The successful candidate will be located in
the Krijnse Locker group and embedded in the institute of virology.
The position is available immediately. Salary is according to
TL-V regulations.
To apply send one PDF-file with CV and the names of at least two
referees by March 24 2013 to jacomine.krijnse@bioquant.uni-heidelberg.de.

J. Krijnse Locker
jacomine.krijnse@bioquant.uni-heidelberg.de
electron microscopy core facility, Heidelberg university
Heidelberg

Ansprechpartner: J. Krijnse Locker