Structural studies of human tripeptidyl peptidase II
Commencing October 2008
The Institute of Cancer Research (a College of the University of London) is a world-class cancer research organisation with HEFCE RAE ratings of international excellence across all of its research programmes. In partnership with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust we form the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Europe, dedicated to research that extends from epidemiology, genetics and molecular biology, through drug discovery and development, to cancer diagnosis and patient treatment. This makes us uniquely placed to work towards our vision that people may live their lives free from the fear of cancer as a life threatening disease.
The Institute offers comprehensive, modern facilities for research and its studentships are awarded on a competitive basis.
Applications for this graduate studentship, fully funded for 4 years starting in October 2008, are invited from suitably qualified graduates or final year undergraduates who hold or expect to gain a first/upper second class honours degree or equivalent. There are no restrictions with respect to residence or citizenship.
Successful candidates will undertake a research training programme under the guidance of Dr Ed Morris. The successful applicant will receive an annual stipend of £18,000 being based at The Institute’s Chelsea campus (stipends are subject to review).
Project Title: Structural studies of human tripeptidyl peptidase II
Main Objectives
The aim of this project is to obtain a high resolution structure of the human erythrocyte form of tripeptidyl peptidase II (TPPII) by cryoelectron microscopy and image analysis. The project will complement existing structural studies of the 26S proteasome in our laboratory. The size of the complex makes it well suited to such analysis and a resolution of 1 nm or better should be achievable from images of vitreous ice embedded complexes. Detailed interpretation and modelling of the three-dimensional structure will be used to address the functional properties of the TPPII complex. The project will be supported by full access to the new electron microscope facility in the Chester Beatty Laboratories.
Applicants should send a CV + covering letter to registry@icr.ac.uk
For further details and an informal discussion, contact Dr Ed Morris on email: edward.morris@icr.ac.uk
Closing Date: 25 June 2008
