Postdoctoral Position: Protein Interactions via Short Peptide Motifs

Job Title: Postdoctoral Position: Protein Interactions via Short Peptide Motifs

Job Number: 59238

Location: Worcester, MA, US

Job Description

A postdoctoral position is available in the Pryciak Lab at the UMass Chan Med School to study how globular peptide-binding domains recognize short peptide sequences called “SLiMs” (Short Linear Motifs) in their interaction partners. SLiMs mediate numerous transient protein-protein interactions that can regulate subcellular localization, assembly of dynamic multi-protein complexes, and substrate recognition by post-translational modification enzymes. Over 200 distinct families of globular SLiM-binding domains are known and it is estimated that the human proteome contains over 100,000 SLiMs, largely in disordered regions.

We have a new project to characterize SLiMs and the molecular specificities of their interactions. It is an extension of our recent work on how cyclins help choose phosphorylation substrates of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) by binding SLiMs in the substrate polypeptide (see PubMed ID 32976810). Our new methodology can measure the binding strengths of thousands of protein-peptide interactions simultaneously, which allows us to define the recognition rules and specificity determinants that govern binding.

To advance this project, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with an interest in studying dynamic protein-protein interactions and how they can be tuned to control the magnitude and timing of molecular reactions in the cell. The Lab is in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, which offers a vibrant intellectual environment due to robust intradepartmental and interdepartmental interactions as well as state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities on campus. The salary will be commensurate with experience and adhere to NIH and University guidelines

Applicants must have (or expect to obtain shortly) a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or a related field, and should be self-motivated and technically accomplished. Prior experience with basic microbiological culture techniques, DNA cloning, PCR, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting is preferred. Experience with yeast molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatic methods is advantageous but not essential.

To apply, interested candidates should send a letter (via email) describing your current research activities and future research interests, a CV, and contact information for three (3) references to Peter Pryciak, Ph.D. [Please click the “Apply” button at right.]

Application Deadline: 2024-01-13