Postdoctoral Research Associate in
Structural Biology
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate in the laboratory of Dr.
Sonja Lorenz at the Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg,
Germany.
The position is funded by the Emmy Noether Program of the German Research Foundation (DFG) to
explore the molecular mechanisms of ubiquitin signaling. The successful applicant will undertake
structural and functional studies on select members of the E2 and E3 families of ubiquitination enzymes using NMR and/or X-ray crystallography along with complementary biophysical and biochemical tools. Several ambitious projects are available and can be tailored to individual interests and expertise.
Research in the Lorenz lab is directed at understanding the structural basis of ubiquitination reactions
and the functional crosstalk of ubiquitination with other types of posttranslational modifications, such
as phosphorylation, in the cell – a largely underexplored area of high therapeutic potential. The lab
follows a multidisciplinary approach by combining structural biology techniques with biophysical,
biochemical and cell biological analyses.
The Lorenz lab has access to state-of-the-art instrumentation in X-ray crystallography and high-field
solution NMR spectroscopy. Research facilities further include an extensive range of modern biophysical, biochemical, and cell biological equipment. The Rudolf Virchow Center is integrated into a stimulating, collaborative research environment that includes the Biocenter, the Research Center for Infectious Diseases, various institutes of the university hospital, and the Max Planck Research Group for
Systems Biology in Würzburg.
Applicants should possess/be expected to obtain a PhD in the life sciences and should have a strong
background in either X-ray crystallography or NMR. Experience in protein expression and purification
and biophysical or cell biological techniques is desirable. Good English language skills are essential;
knowledge of German is not required.
The position will start on 1 November 2014 or later, upon mutual agreement, and is initially available
for 3 years. Salary is based on the German TVL scale. In case of equivalent qualifications, disabled
applicants will be preferentially considered.
Applications should be sent to Sonja Lorenz by email ([email protected])
and are expected to include a letter of motivation detailing research interests and expertise, a CV, and
the contact information for at least two references. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Lab homepage:
http://www.virchow.uni-wuerzburg.de/lab_pages/slorenz
Institute homepage:
http://www.rudolf-virchow-zentrum.de/en/research/research-groups/lorenz-group/research.html
Website of the Graduate School of Life Sciences:
http://www.graduateschools.uni-wuerzburg.de/life_sciences
Sonja Lorenz, PhD
Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine
Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, Haus D15
97080 Würzburg
Germany