Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Position in the area of:
Identification of Host Factors in
Nidovirus RNA Replication and Transcription
This project will be carried out in close collaboration between the Department of Virology of Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands (Dr. Eric J. Snijder) and the Institute of Molecular Virology of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, U.S.A. (Dr. Paul Ahlquist).
Nidoviruses (corona- and arteriviruses) are animal positive-stranded RNA viruses with a relatively complex (polycistronic) genome organization and expression strategy, including discontinuous transcription of a nested set of subgenomic mRNAs. The Leiden group has recently developed an infectious cDNA clone for the prototype arterivirus equine arteritis virus (EAV), the first reverse genetics system for a nidovirus. The Madison group has developed systems for RNA virus-driven RNA replication and mRNA synthesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, allowing application of productive yeast genetics methods to analyze the 'host side' of virus-host interactions, a rapidly emerging field of research.
This project will explore combining the EAV infectious cDNA clone and yeast technology mentioned above to establish a system for genetic analysis of nidovirus-host cell interactions. The final aim of the project is to identify and characterize host proteins involved in EAV RNA synthesis. Initial research will be carried out in Madison, where established RNA virus-yeast systems and relevant technological experience are available. With successful development of a nidovirus replication system in yeast, a second project phase involving research in Leiden will initiate.
Ideal candidates will have a strong background in molecular (RNA) virology and/or experience with yeast systems. They should have completed their Ph.D. research or expect to do so before the end of 1999. A minimum of 2 years of support is guaranteed. Applications submitted by November 15, 1999 will be assured of full consideration. Please send written applications (including a C.V., list of publications and statement of research interests) to Dr. E.J. Snijder.
Contacts:
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Dr. Eric J. Snijder
Department of Virology Leiden University Medical Center; room P4-26 PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden The Netherlands phone: +31 71 526 1657; fax: +31 71 526 6761 e-mail: Snijder@Virology.AZL.nl |
Dr. Paul Ahlquist
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Institute for Molecular Virology 1525 Linden Drive University of Wisconsin - Madison, U.S.A phone: +1 608 263 5916; fax: +1 608 265 9214 email: ahlquist@facstaff.wisc.edu |