RESEARCH
RESEARCH
There are ongoing opportunities for graduate students and/or postdocs to join us. People interested in pursuing biological solid state NMR research within the Molecular Biophysics & Structural Biology graduate program and postdoctoral candidates interested in such work are encouraged to contact me at pvdwel@pitt.edu. I will be glad to provide any further information as requested.
Our research group uses
solid state NMR to study various biological topics, predominantly
through the use of magic angle spinning (MAS) solid state NMR.
Particular interests are focused on the structural and biophysical
characterization of proteins: (1) Membrane
protein
studies focused on the interplay between the lipids of the lipid
bilayer and the membrane-bound protein, and the importance of this
interaction for the structure and function of the biological membrane.
(2) Investigations into the common features of amyloid fibril structure and
formation. See also the links to the left, for further
background information.
Location / Department
The Department
of Structural Biology
features collaborative research groups that address structural biology
through a variety of techniques, with expertise in amyloid studies,
solution state NMR, (cryo) EM, and X-ray crystallography. It is housed
in a new research building and includes state-of-the-art equipment and
wet lab resources. The solid state NMR group has specific access to
Bruker 800 and 600 MHz magnets, which are well-equipped with multiple
MAS as well as static solid state NMR probes. See here
for more information on the extensive liquid- and solid-state NMR
resources of the department. Located within or near the campuses of the
University of Pittsburgh, the UPMC medical center, and Carnegie Mellon
University, it finds itself in a scientifically stimulating
environment. The city of Pittsburgh provides a top-rated yet
affordable place to live.