Postdoctoral Fellow
KSU Ribosome Study Program

Contact Person:
Dr. Katsura Asano
Postdoctoral Fellow Search
Division of Biology
116 Ackert Hall
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506-4901

 (TEL) 785-532-0116
(FAX) 785-532-6653
(EMAIL) kasano@ksu.edu

Kansas State University
Division of Biology

An NIH-supported position is available from August 2008 for studies on start codon selection by yeast ribosomes. The objective is to delineate key interactions between eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIF) or between eIF and the ribosome, critical for rapid and precise production of ribosome preinitiation complexes with start codon base paired with tRNAi anticodon. The selected applicants will generate and

characterize mutations mapping in yeast ribosomes or eIF. They will also purify and characterize protein complexes made from recombinant forms of yeast eIF or segments; if possible, the 3D structure of the complexes will be solved in collaboration with NMR experts. A Ph.D. in molecular biology or related field is required and experience with protein purification and/or knowledge of protein biosynthesis are preferred. Yeast geneticists are also welcome. However, priority will be given to applicants with the ability to conduct research independently. Stipends from $26,000 plus fringe benefits.

To learn about our research, please refer to:

Katsura Asano and Matthew S. Sachs (2007). Translation factor control of ribosome conformation during start codon selection. Genes Dev. 21, 1280-1287.

C. R. Singh, B. Lee, T. Udagawa, S, S. Mohammad-Qureshi, Y. Yamamoto, G. D. Pavitt, and K. Asano (2006). An eIF5/eIF2 complex antagonizes guanine nucleotide exchange by eIF2B during translation initiation. EMBO J. 25, 4537-4546

Y. Yamamoto, C. R. Singh, A. Marintchev, N. S. Hall, E. M. Hannig, G. Wagner, and K. Asano (2005). The eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 5 HEAT domain mediates multifactor assembly and scanning with distinct interfaces to eIF1, eIF2, eIF3 and eIF4G. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102, 16164-16169.

Akiyoshi, Y., J. Clayton, L. Phan, M. Yamamoto, A.G. Hinnebusch, Y. Watanabe, and K. Asano. 2001. Fission yeast homolog of murine Int-6 protein, encoded by mouse mammary tumor virus integration site, is associated with the conserved core subunits of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3. J. Biol. Chem. 276: 10056-10062.

Asano, Katsura, J. Clayton, A. Shalev, and A.G. Hinnebusch. 2000. A multifactor complex of eukaryotic initiation factors eIF1, eIF2, eIF3, eIF5, and initiator tRNAMet is an important translation initiation intermediate in vivo. Genes Dev. 14: 2534-2546.

Send curriculum vitae and the e-mail addresses of three references to:

Dr. Katsura Asano, Division of Biology, 258 Chalmers Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506. Fax 785-532-6653, E-mail kasano@ksu.edu.

Review of applications will begin on April 29, 2008, and continue until position is filled.  KSU is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees.