Research Opportunities

A. Postdoctoral positions are currently available to work on NIH funded projects

(June 2009)

Our group is trying to understand structural/functional relationships of macromolecular complexes using high resolution electron microscopy (e.g. single particles, tomography) and image processing techniques. Our results combined with atomic resolution X-ray data using hybrid or multiresolution techniques and with the available biochemical and biophysical data will provide us with a better understanding of the functional mechanism. Presently our main interests are focused on two areas, energy metabolism and bacterial adhesion.

I. Structure/function studies of eukaryotic phosphofructokinases and their interaction with the cytoskeleton.

II. Structural studies of fimbrial oral bacterial adhesins and adhesin/receptor complexes from Streptococcus parasanguinis.

III. Structural studies of non-fimbrial oral bacterial adhesins and adhesin/receptor complexes from Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

· We seek motivated individuals that can think independently and work cooperatively to carry out structural studies using electron microscopy and image processing techniques.

· Candidates should preferably hold a Ph. D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Physics, Material Science or an appropriately related field and show a keen interest on understanding biological processes.

· Experience in at least some aspects of cryo-electron microscopy, high-resolution electron microscopy, tomography and electron microscopy related image processing is highly desired.

If you are interested in any of these positions please contact me via e-mail with a brief description of your interests and your relevant work experience, a detailed resume and the names of three references. If you have any questions contact me to discuss the potential for being a member of my lab and a member of the Structural Biology Community at UVM.

Dr. Teresa Ruiz

Dept. of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics

University of Vermont

HSRF 106. 149 Beaumont Avenue

Burlington, VT 05405-0068

802-656-4835 (office)

802-656-0747 (fax)

email:truiz@uvm.edu

B. Graduate research opportunities are always available. They are usually funded by University Graduate Assistantships. If you are interested in a PhD project in our group, you can either apply to the Graduate Program of the Dept. of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (see Biophysics track) or to the Bioengineering Program. If you are participating in any other Ph. D. Program at UVM, and are interested in our work, please come and discuss it with me.

C. Additional opportunities for American citizens exist for federally funded postdoctoral and graduate studies. If interested please contact me to discuss the potential for being a member of my lab and a member of the Structural Biology Community at UVM.

Trainees working in our group will focus on solving specific biological problems using the biophysical techniques available in the laboratory. They will learn to ingeniously manipulate or develop imaging techniques to obtain data with the highest possible resolution using commonly available equipment.