The Akhtar lab investigates the mechanistic and physiological functions of the H4K16-specific histone acetyltransferase MOF/KAT8. MOF associates with two distinct protein complexes, the NSL complex and the MSL complex, which in turn regulate its substrate specificity, genomewide targeting and physiological functions. However, how MOF chooses to associate with one or the other complex and how its substrate specificity is regulated in these distinct complexes remain major mechanistic questions in the field. The lab has a long-standing interest in biochemical characterization of the NSL and MSL complexes and is looking for a postdoc to conduct biochemical, structural (cryo-EM), functional and biophysical analyses of the MSL and/or NSL complexes.

Qualifications:

•           Applicants should have a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related discipline

•           Several years of prior experience working with biochemical approaches for protein complex purification and/or analysis is required

•           Prior experience with biophysical techniques for protein analysis would be advantageous

•           Candidates should have at least one first-author publication

•           The ability to work in a team, communication skills and experience in the supervision of graduate students are assets