An NSF-supported postdoctoral position is available immediately to study the assembly and function of the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center complex. The work combines state-of-the-art molecular genetic, biochemical, and biophysical approaches to clarify the process of photoactivation, which is the light dependent assembly of the catalytic tetramer of manganese atoms that forms the core of the H20-oxidation complex. The project has significance to fundamental and applied scientific problems ranging from protein structure-function to the development of biomimetic solar energy technology.
Your project will involve the utilization and improvement of efficient gene engineering techniques to reprogram key photosynthetic genes in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. This will be used to elucidate the function of the gene products function in critical assembly of the PSII reaction center complex. To reveal the phenotypic consequences of your genetic manipulations, you will have a variety of biophysical and biochemical tools at your disposal. These may be used to probe the structural, enzymatic and physiological functions of the gene products being examined. The project involves a number of collaborations, enhancing the training opportunities available in the multidisciplinary project. Appointment for this postdoctoral position is for one year with the possibility of renewal (the position is fully funded for 4 years). To apply, please submit the following as a single pdf document to rob.burnap at okstate.edu: