Biomolecular Modelling Group
Western Australian Biomedical Research Institute (WABRI)
Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia

Postdoctoral position in molecular dynamics simulations of biological
membranes 

The Biomolecular Modelling Group at WABRI has an opening for a highly 
qualified post-doctoral research associate to carry out research using 
molecular dynamics simulation techniques to investigate the effect of 
cryosolvents and sugar molecules on the structure and stability of 
biological membranes.

The position is available immediately for up to 2 years, with the 
possibility of further renewals upon mutual agreement and the availability
of funding. The successful applicant will join a growing research group 
that will soon comprise three postdoctoral research fellows, three/four 
PhD students and two honours students. The group is headed by Associate 
Professor Ricardo L. Mancera:
http://www.wabri.org.au/research/molec_modelling.html

The successful applicant will work on a multi-disciplinary and inter-
institutional research project funded by the Australian Research Council
aimed at providing a rationale at the molecular level of the factors that
determine the ability of various plant tissues to survive cryogenic 
storage, since the preservation of cell membrane structure is essential
for the survival of tissues subjected to cryogenic storage at very low
temperatures or dessication conditions. The computer simulation study will
be carried out in collaboration with Professor Alan Mark (University of
Queensland, Brisbane) and will run in parallel with biophysical
experiments carried out at RMIT University (Melbourne) and cryogenic
preservation studies carried out at the Botanical Gardens and Parks
Authority of Western Australia (Perth).

Curtin University of Technology (http://www.curtin.edu.au) is the largest
university in Western Australia and is ranked amongst the top universities
in Australia. The Biomolecular Modelling Group is setting up its own
dedicated GPU cluster and is also one of the major users of the Western
Australian supercomputer centre, iVEC, and the National Computational
Infrastructure facility. The group will also have access to the new Pawsey
Centre  an $80 million Federal Government initiative to establish a
petaflop computing facility in Perth. In addition, living in the state
capital Perth offers a great lifestyle due to Western Australias superb
weather, beaches and outdoors activities.

This position would suit someone with a PhD in molecular modelling or
computational chemistry or biophysics and a demonstrable successful track
record in molecular dynamics simulations of biological membranes. Only
applicants that fulfill these requirements need apply by submitting a copy
of their full CV to Associate Professor Ricardo L. Mancera
(R.Mancera|,|curtin.edu.au), including full details of all academic degrees
obtained, research skills and experience, publications and conference
presentations, and the names of 2-3 referees.