BACKGROUND

A goal of the Andrej Sali research group at University of California at San Francisco (http://salilab.org) is to contribute to a comprehensive structural characterization of largemacromolecular assemblies, such as the ribosome and the nuclear pore complex. Detailed structural characterization of assemblies is generally impossible by any single existing experimental or computational method. This barrier can be overcome by hybrid approaches that integrate information from diverse experiments, theories, and statistical inference. We formulate such a hybrid approach to structure determination as an optimization problem, the solution of which requires three main components: the representation of the assembly, the scoring function, and the optimization method.

The ensemble of solutions to the optimization problem embodies the most accurate structural characterization given the available information. The key challenges remain translating experimental data into restraints on the structure of the assembly, combining these spatial restraints into a single scoring function, optimizing the scoring function, and analyzing the resulting ensemble of solutions. To address these challenges, we propose the Integrated Modeling Platform software (IMP, http://salilab.org/imp/). IMP is designed to allow mixing and matching of existing modeling components as well as easy adding of new functionality. It will support a wide variety of assembly
representations and input data. We will also provide infrastructure that encourages and supports contributions from other laboratories. Our specific aims cover the design, implementation, support, and distribution of IMP.

REQUIREMENTS

We are looking preferentially for a structural biologist with a PhD interested in focusing on the software development of IMP. Other backgrounds may be acceptable too. Experience with c, c++, and Python is needed, as are good collaboration skills. The start date is as soon as possible, and the duration is effectively open ended.

LOCALE

Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California.

COMPENSATION

The salary is likely to be approximately $70,000, with standard health and other benefits from University of California.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email Dr. Andrej Sali at sali[at]salilab.org with a copy of your cv, including names of 2-3 references.