Postdoc opening in Paris: Structure and function of the ribosome from molecular simulations
A 2-year postdoc position is available in the Simonson group at Ecole Polytechnique. Our group (http://biology.biocomputing.fr/biocomputing; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5117-7338) develops and applies simulations methods to understand and engineer biomolecular recognition. The research project will aim to understand the structure and function of the ribosome, using large-scale computer simulations and high resolution electron microscopy data obtained by collaborators within our department. It will focus specifically on the initiation steps of protein translation and the inhibitory role of antibiotics. Ecole Polytechnique is highly-ranked internationally, with a small, interdisciplinary research campus just outside Paris, and is part of the much larger Paris-Saclay science cluster.
Candidates with a solid background in physical chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field and a strong motivation for scientific research are encouraged to apply. Applications – short cover letter plus complete CV – will be considered on receipt, and the position will remain open until filled.
Informal inquiries should be sent to thomas.simonson@polytechnique.fr
Selected references
Coureux, Lazennec-Schurdevin, Monestier, Larquet, Cladiere, Klaholz, Schmitt, Mechulam (2016) Nature Communications 7:13366. Cryo-EM study of start codon selection during archaeal translation initiation.
Aleksandrov, Simonson (2008) Journal of the American Chemical Society, 130:1114. Molecular dynamics simulations of the 30S ribosomal subunit reveal a preferred tetracycline binding site.
Brunger, Adams, DeLano, Gros, Grosse-Kunstleve, Jiang, Pannu, Read, Rice, Simonson (2001) The structure determination language of the Crystallography and NMR System. International Tables of Crystallography, Volume F. Editors: M.G. Rossmann & E. Arnold; Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers, the Netherlands.
Simonson (2016) The physical basis of ligand binding. Chapter one (pages 3-44), In Silico Drug Discovery and Design: Theory, Methods, Challenges, and Applications, CRC Press, Editor C. Casavotto.
GEFAM 