The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) announces two postdoctoral positions in Cryo-EM (cryogenic electron microscopy) at the cutting-edge of science. Both positions are funded by FAPESP and candidates may submit projects until April 21.
Position 1: Hemocyanin Studies – This position focuses on the study of hemocyanins, large allosteric oxygen-carrier proteins found in the hemolymph of arthropods and mollusks, as well as the giant hemoglobins of annelids, known as erythrocruorins. These large proteins are pivotal in understanding the oxygen-binding properties and structural intricacies of allosteric oxygen carriers. These large macromolecules are perfect model systems for studying local and global resolution – and information metrics. Hemocyanins and worm hemoglobin were historically important for the development of multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) techniques and the introduction of quality metrics such as the Fourier Shell Correlation (FSC) and the new Fourier Shell Information (FSI) metric. This allows us to explore allosteric interactions – at different scales – within these large oligomeric complexes, contributing to our knowledge of their dynamic functioning. Moreover, preliminary methodology-oriented studies on glycosylation of Lumbricus terrestris Erythrocruorin and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein yield promising results that must be consolidated in the form of novel routine procedures.
Position 2: Method Development for Local Resolution – This position is dedicated to the development and divulgation of metrics for assessing local and global resolution and information metrics in 1D, 2D, and 3D data. The new methodologies allow for the local comparison of independently conducted experiments and the identification of structural variabilities. These metrics are not restricted to Cryo-EM or to Structural biology but apply to all physical measurement systems that yield multi-dimensional data. These metrics are universally applicable to any multi-dimensional image assessment, with especially a promising potential in bio-medical imaging. The approach has already shown its power in preliminary results revealing details of the glycosylation in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein maps. The aim is to further apply our Big Data approaches to analyze pharmaceutical targets using the wealth of information available in the EMDB. A recently emerged aspect is that our measurement approaches developed for Cryo-EM over decades, now help solving a broader range of issues like the “measurement problem” in Quantum Mechanics, or the efficient use of “learning sets” in Artificial Intelligence.
These positions provide a unique chance to work in a small enthusiastic team, advancing science and producing widely applicable new methodologies.
We invite passionate, dedicated researchers to join our team in these challenging projects.
For more information, contact Marin van Heel. (LinkedIn: Marin van Heel) (marin.vanheel@lnnano.cnpem.br // marin.vanheel@gmail.com ).
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About CNPEM
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) is home to a state-of-the-art, multi-user and multidisciplinary scientific environment and works on different fronts within the Brazilian National System for Science, Technology and Innovation. A social organization overseen by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), CNPEM is driven by research that impacts the areas of health, energy, renewable materials, and sustainability. It is responsible for Sirius, the largest assembly of scientific equipment constructed in the country, and is currently constructing Project Orion, a laboratory complex for advanced pathogen research. Highly specialized science and engineering teams, sophisticated infrastructure open to the scientific community, strategic lines of investigation, innovative projects involving the productive sector, and training for researchers and students are the pillars of this institution that is unique in Brazil and able to serve as a bridge between knowledge and innovation. It is responsible for operating the Brazilian Synchrotron Light (LNLS), Biosciences (LNBio), Nanotechnology (LNNano), and Biorenewables (LNBR) National Laboratories, as well as the Ilum School of Science, which offers a bachelor’s degree program in science and technology with support from the Ministry of Education (MEC).