Computational biophysics/biophysical chemistry
California State University, Northridge
Characterizing Protein Conformational Flexibility: A post-doctoral position is available starting in fall 2002, in the group of Prof. D. J. Jacobs (Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Cal. State Northridge). The position is for 1 year, renewable up to 3 years depending on funding. We are looking for a motivated candidate, having strong background in one or more of the following areas: Monte Carlo simulation, Brownian dynamics or thermodynamics as applied to biopolymers with emphasis on protein stability. The applicant is also expected to have strong skills in programming (e.g. C/C++, scripting languages and knowledge of UNIX).
The selected candidate will conduct research on the prediction of protein conformational flexibility using a network rigidity model based on a recent extension to the constraint counting approach that is described in Proteins 44, 150 (2001). Both energetic and entropic contributions of applied constraints at finite temperatures are accounted for, where cooperativity and the non-additivity of entropies are calculated using properties of network rigidity. The candidate will perform quantitative calculations to ascertain correspondences between protein flexibility and stability for a diverse protein set. Theoretical predictions will be correlated with i) experimental data, such as from X-ray crystal structures, NMR, calorimetric and hydrogen-bond stability measurements, and ii) other computational methods, such as normal mode analysis. Depending on the candidate's interest, extensions of the approach will be possible, for example to address the process of cold-denaturation.
Further information can be obtained via e-mail (donald.jacobs@csun.edu). Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference to Prof. Donald J. Jacobs, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge CA, 91330-8268. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
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Last updated: August 3, 2003