Available Positions

Metal tagging to identify proteins in electron cryo-microscopy

Rotation: 
1st
2nd
3rd
Area: 
Chemistry
Life Sciences

Electron microscopy shows exquisite ultrastructural detail in imaging biological macromolecules and cells. However it is generally difficult to identify particular molecules or structures except by shape. We have developed a new approach to cryo-microscopy and 3D tomography based on scanning transmission EM (STEM), which is more sensitive to heavy atoms than current phase contrast methods. Depending on the student's background the rotation will emphasize protein chemistry and/or elementary cell biology. For more information see http://www.nature.com/nmeth/journal/v11/n4/full/nmeth.2842.html

Cryo-EM method development and application based on 4D STEM

Rotation: 
2nd
3rd
Area: 
Chemistry
Life Sciences
Saturday, April 20, 2024

We develop new and unconventional tools for cryo-electron microscopy and tomography for 3D imaging of biological cells. A new camera technology makes it possible to record a complete diffraction pattern at every pixel. Known as 4D-STEM in materials science, this method provides richer information than conventional transmission EM. Application to cryo-EM for organic and life science specimens opens a new frontier. We combine the method developments with studies of cell biology and biophysics. Running projects include studies of chromatin structure, bacteriophage, protein condensation, and heme crystallization in Plasmodium.