FPI position in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Applied to the Design of Proteins Composed of Polyproline II Helices

Protein chemists working on the design of proteins composed of alpha helices and beta sheets have made extraordinary advances in the last decade, but consistently ignore polyproline II helices. Recently, we have achieved the production of a protein composed of six polyproline II helices. Our NMR characterization of this protein*, the “snow flea” antifreeze protein (sfAFP), makes it a fantastic model system for the design of novel proteins with improved stability and novel functions.

We offer: 1) Friendly, supportive environment 2) FPI position for doctoral studies, 3) Training in protein structure, design and production, 4) Training in NMR spectroscopy applied to proteins, in the “Manuel Rico” NMR Laboratory in the “Rocasolano” Institute for Physical Chemistry, CSIC, Madrid, the lab that pioneered this methodology in Spain. This Ph.D. thesis will be co-directed by Dr. Miguel Mompeán and Dr. Douglas V. Laurents.

Requirements: Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, or Physics with good grades and excellent enthusiasm. Enrollment in a doctoral program at the start of the fellowship. Interview, preferably in person. Two reference letters from former instructors and a personal letter of motivation.

Our group has a excellent track record in the education and promotion of our doctoral students; and we welcome all applicants independent of disability, gender or gender identity, martial status, pregnancy status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

For more information, see:
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.8b05261 (Our research paper on PPII helices)

https://rmnpro.iqfr.csic.es/en/10-grupo/research-lines/34-polyproline-ii-helices-in-biomolecular-condensates-and-for-protein-design (webpage with description of the sfAFP protein)

or write to mmompean en iqfr.csic.es or dlaurents en iqfr.csic.es

This is the link for applying for the FPI call:
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