Open Positions

The laboratory has a postdoctoral position open. At present we are studying the structural basis for bistability in MAP kinase pathways and carrying out assays in support of this effort. Applicants with a background in enzymology who would like to learn about protein crystallography are encouraged to apply Send C.V. and the names of three references to: Elizabeth J. Goldsmith, Department of Biochemistry, Unversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas TX 75390-8816. Phone: (214) 645-6376 Fax: (214) 645-6387. e-mail: betsy@chop.swmed.edu

A postdoctoral position is available in crystallographic analysis of protein kinases, including MAP kinase pathway enzymes and other signalling kinases. A career-oriented Ph. D. is sought to join an ongoing study of these enzymes (Canagarajah et al. (1997) Cell 90 859- 869 ; Wang et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 94 2327-2332). We are interested in the mechanisms of kinase activation and are comparing low activity and active forms of MAP kinases. Pathway specificity is being studied through analysis of complexes of substrates and activating enzymes. Comparative crystallography of the kinases with highly selective protein kinase inhibitors is being used to understand inhibitor specificity. Projects under development are crystallographic analysis of the c-Jun kinase (JNK), various MAP kinase kinases (MEK's), MAPKAP-2, and a more distantly related enzyme IkB kinase. Further, protein kinase mechanistic stuides are underway that combine crystallography and mutagenesis. Applicants are sought to join us in this work in the exciting atomosphere of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Send C.V. and the names of three references to: Elizabeth J. Goldsmith, Department of Biochemistry, Unversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas TX 75390-8816. Phone: (214) 645-6376 Fax: (214) 645-6387. e-mail: betsy@chop.swmed.edu