Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development , Bethesda, MD and surrounding area

A postdoctoral position is available in Dr. Sergey Bezrukov’s Section on Molecular Transport at NICHD, NIH to study the role of mitochondrial outer membrane protein, VDAC, in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism. VDAC or Voltage-dependent anion channel is a beta barrel channel essential for metabolite transport between cytosol and mitochondria and is implicated in a variety of the mitochondria-associated pathologies. The aim of this project in understanding the molecular mechanisms of VDAC functioning and the identification of its natural regulators and synthetic inhibitors to improve outcomes of mitochondria-associated diseases by using VDAC as a promising pharmacological target. A combination of state-of-the-art biophysical, electrophysiology, cell biology, and computational methods are available in the lab to guarantee a successful outcome.
The position to be filled is based on our recent findings that alpha-synuclein, a neuronal protein associated with Parkinson’s disease, transports into mitochondria through VDAC beta-barrel. We are looking to further perform mutational analysis to understand the mechanism of VDAC function and its interaction with alpha-synuclein and other cytosolic proteins.
Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/Bezrukov .

• Expertise in protein chemistry and methodological skills in molecular cloning, mutagenesis, and protein purification especially for membrane proteins are preferred.
• Technical support in electrophysiology, biophysical and cell biology methods will be provided.
• Candidate must be strongly motivated with an interest in mitochondrial physiology and possess a Ph.D. in biochemistry, protein chemistry, biophysics, or physics, and must have completed fewer than five years of prior post-doctoral research training.
• Successful candidate should have a track-record of publication in peer-reviewed international journals.
• Additional information and useful links about NIH Post-Doctoral Fellowship training positions can be found at https://www.training.nih.gov/postdoctoral/vf.asp .

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Rostovtseva (rostovtt@mail.nih.gov ). Successful applicants will eventually be required to submit:

• a curriculum vitae (CV),
• a bibliography,
• a cover letter with a brief description of research interests and experiences, and
• a list of at least three references, which includes their mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses.

The NIH is dedicated to building a community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.