The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the leading Life Sciences Institutes in the world. It accommodates 30 research groups and 500 employees investigating how molecules and cells create life, spanning the scale from atom to organism. Founded in 1971, the Biozentrum has been the birthplace of many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine, spawning several Nobel Laureates.
A postdoc position is available in the group of Prof. Marek Basler at the Biozentrum, University of Basel.
The Type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a unique protein-translocating bacterial nanomachine that is fascinating from several points of view: (i) T6SS clusters are present in numerous pathogenic bacteria, (ii) T6SS can deliver effectors into both bacterial and eukaryotic targets, (iii) components of T6SS are evolutionarily related to phage tails, (iv) dynamics of T6SS can be studied using fluorescence microscopy in live cells allowing unprecedented insights into function of this complex nanomachine.
Recently, we have identified several different mechanisms regulating T6SS assembly with high spatial and temporal precision (i.e., aiming of T6SS). In this project we will uncover fundamental principles of “aiming” of T6SS assembly in various bacteria. We will primarily focus on the following biological questions: How is T6SS assembly initiated, regulated and localized? What are the sequential steps of T6SS assembly? How these steps vary between species? How does aiming of T6SS contribute to its activity?
Your responsibilities are
Work with various bacterial strains and generate their variants to unravel novel phenotypes related to T6SS activity.
Develop novel approaches to image localization and dynamics of T6SS components in live bacterial cells.
Work with state-of-the-art wide-field, confocal, and super resolution microscopes.
Analyze, interpret and present wide-range of data and results.
Collaborate with researchers with various backgrounds to advance projects in the lab.
Act as an experienced resource, and demonstrate clear and professional verbal and written communication skills.
Your profile
Candidates holding a PhD diploma with a strong background in advanced fluorescence microscopy of live bacteria are encouraged to apply. Experience with SIM, TIRF, PALM, FRAP, FRET, single molecule tracking as well as image analysis is of an advantage. The working language is English.
We offer
Our multidisciplinary group includes microbiologists and structural biologists with an expertise in live-cell imaging, analysis of cell-cell interactions, and understanding of mechanisms involved in the assembly and regulation of a dynamic bacterial nanomachine (a list of recent publications is here). We have an excellent support from various core facilities with expert staff as well as our own state-of-the art equipment, including a super-resolution microscope.
Starting date by arrangement. Long term funding is secured from an ERC consolidator grant. Salary according to SNSF guidelines.
Application / Contact
Please apply online:
https://biped2.biozentrum.unibas.ch/apply/postdoctoral-researcher-baslerlab Upload the following four separate PDF documents:
1) Your CV with contacts for three references
2) a brief description of previous research experience (1 page)
3) Motivation letter explaining why you are a good candidate for this job offer (max 2 pages)
4) List of all your publications (including pre-prints). For up to three publications most relevant to this job offer describe shortly (up to 200 words) your role as well as why is the publication relevant (for example: what techniques you learned, what experience you gained, etc.).
Incomplete applications will be disregarded.
