Postdoc fellowship to study centrosomes using X-ray crystallography, NMR, and electron microscopy

Investigating the architecture and function of nanoscale centrosomal self-assemblies using X-ray crystallography, NMR, biochemistry, and electron microscopy

Position Description:  The architecture of a cell is established through varying degrees of hierarchical organizations from single molecules to macromolecular assemblies.  Investigating how these molecules interact with one another to form a higher-order structural entity with a new biological function is a key step to unlocking the mystery of life.  We are mainly interested in understanding the molecular bases of how the physicochemical properties of pericentriolar scaffold proteins drive the formation of micron-scale self-assemblies with distinct cellular functions.  Recently, we found that human polo-like kinase 4, a key regulator of centriole duplication, forms a high M.W. complex with centrosomal scaffold proteins, which cooperatively self-assemble into a higher-order architecture around a centriole in a concentration-dependent manner. Notably, a failure in these events can result in abnormal centrosome numbers, improper spindle formation, and chromosome missegregation that ultimately lead to the development of various human diseases, including cancer, ciliopathy, and microcephaly.  Thus, we aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the assembly of pericentriolar architectures to ultimately understand the etiology of centrosome-associated human diseases.

Fellows who have an expertise in structural biology (X-ray or NMR) and/or electron microscopy with a keen interest in investigating the structure and function of nanoscale centrosomal self-assemblies are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. (or expected) or M.D. equivalent at the time of joining the lab. For more information, please click the link below.

https://ccr.cancer.gov/Laboratory-of-Metabolism/kyung-s-lee

To apply, please send CV and three names of references to Dr. Kyung Lee (kyunglee@mail.nih.gov).

Salary starts at $55,700 for fellows with 0 yr postdoc training (+ annual raise) and full health insurance

Employer Name: National Cancer Institute, NIH.

Position Location: 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, U. S. A.

Selected publications:

1. Phase separation of Polo-like kinase 4 by autoactivation and clustering drives centriole biogenesis. Park JE, et al. Nat Commun. 10(1):4959, 2019. 
2. Molecular architecture of a cylindrical self-assembly at human centrosomes. Kim TS, et al. Nat Commun. 10(1): 1151, 2019. 
3. Molecular basis for unidirectional scaffold switching of human Plk4 in centriole biogenesis. Park SY, et al. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 21(8): 696-703, 2014

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