January 2025 - phenixbb - phenix-online.org

RapiData at SSRL 2024
by Smith, Clyde 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Hi everyone, Applications are now open for the 2024 edition of RapiData at SSRL. RapiData is a practical course in macromolecular X-ray diffraction data collection, data processing and structure solution. The aim of the RapiData course is to educate and train young scientists in data collection and processing methods at synchrotron beamlines, using state-of-the-art software and instrumentation. The course will be held at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) located on the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory campus in Menlo Park, CA, from April 29 to May 4, 2024. The course will comprise hands-on experiments at the SSRL beamlines, software tutorials, and lectures on the following topics: Specimen preparation, Data collection strategies, X-ray light sources, X-ray detectors, Data reduction, Structure solution by MAD, SAD and Molecular Replacement, Complementary methods (spectroscopy and small angle scattering) Please visit http://smb.slac.stanford.edu/news/rapidata/rapidata-2024/ and use the links on the "Application and Registration" page to apply for the course. The application deadline is January 31, 2024. Successful applicants will be notified early in February 2024 and invited to register and book accommodation at SLAC Stanford Guesthouse at that time. A limited amount of support funding may be available. Please direct questions to Silvia Russi (srussi(a)slac.stanford.edu) or Clyde Smith (csmith(a)slac.stanford.edu).

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Research Specialist Position at the University of Illinois to Study Ribosome Structure | POLIKANOV Lab
by Yury Polikanov 21 Apr '25

21 Apr '25

*Research Specialist Position Available, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago - Polikanov Lab* *The Polikanov Laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (IL, USA) is looking for a talented, skillful, and highly motivated researcher to fill the Research Specialist position to study the structure and function of the bacterial ribosome.* For fullest consideration, please submit an application and cover letter describing your scientific interests and how your previous research accomplishments and scientific interests fit with the scope of the research in the Polikanov research group at https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/7573?c=uic *Position Summary:* The research in the Polikanov Laboratory at UIC is focused on understanding the basic principles of protein synthesis in bacteria, the modes of action of ribosome-targeting antibiotics, and the mechanisms of drug resistance at a structural level. This position is involved in the determination of high-resolution structures of ribosome functional complexes with various protein translation factors, tRNAs, and antibiotics using macromolecular X-ray crystallography and potentially cryo-EM techniques. Expected contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute, and interpret research projects. Performs complex laboratory and data collection techniques. *Duties & Responsibilities:* - Perform research relevant to the assigned projects; - Isolate, purify, and crystallize bacterial ribosomes; - Purify all additional components necessary for the crystallization experiments, such as recombinant proteins, tRNAs; - Collect X-ray diffraction data from the ribosome crystals at the APS and NSLS-II Synchrotrons; - Perform structural data analysis; - Coordinate, analyze, and document results for publication; - Directly participate in writing papers and grants based on the experimental data; - Train undergraduate and graduate students in research methods, use of equipment, record keeping, and laboratory database entry; - Attend weekly group meetings and journal club seminars. - Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned. *Minimum Qualifications:* - A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field is required. - A master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field is preferred. - A minimum of 3 years related research experience. - Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices, and methods. - Proficient in standard molecular biology and biochemistry lab techniques, such as protein expression, and purification *Preferred Qualifications:* - Experience in structural biology (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography); - Experience in RNA biology, ribosome, and/or protein synthesis fields. *About the University of Illinois Chicago:* UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago. *The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters <https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/one.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=5705> to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. **The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation <https://jobs.uic.edu/request-and-accomodation/>*

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AKM in Phenix
by lucas.santosouza＠outlook.com 06 Mar '25

06 Mar '25

Hi everyone, Is there still support for the generation of Average Kick Maps in Phenix? I am using both versions 1.21.2-5419 and the nightly build 2.0rc1-5555. I added kicked=True to the maps.params, but phenix.maps gives me "Unused parameter definitions: maps.map_coefficients.kicked (file "maps.params", line 53)". I also cannot see the "Kicked map" check box in the Create Maps GUI. Cheers, Lucas

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Re: Uknown non bonded
by Yann Lefrançois.C 30 Jan '25

30 Jan '25

Hi thank you for your reply, I'm not working with ligand, but a complexe. I do not have hydrogen in my model, so it seems I have a bigger problem. [image: image.png] I tried to use PDB_REDO, however i'm using mrc format for my ED map Le jeu. 30 janv. 2025 à 16:39, Georg Mlynek <georg.mlynek(a)univie.ac.at> a écrit : > Hi Yann, can you post a screenshot of the error message? It should be > stated there which are causing problems. > > Very often the problems are hydrogens. So just delete those. One easy > way is to do is to open in coot and when saving there is a tick box > without hydrogens. There are also tools in phenix doing this. > > Also you can submit the pdb to PDB_REDO to check if there are more sever > problems. If PDB_REDO runs then there are no big errors. Then just use > the output for phenix refine. > > And as Xavier wrote ligands also can cause problems. But also there most > times the hydrogens. > > Br, Georg. > > > Am 2025-01-30 um 4:26 PM schrieb yannlefrancoiscopy(a)gmail.com: > > Hello, > > I'm a newbie phenix user, and i was trying to refine a model. > > > > and when i tried to refine it, I got an error message saying that some > atoms had unknown nonbonded interaction. > > > > However, there are no indication to which one are problematic, Any tips > on how to find the problematic one and how to correct them ? > > > > best wishes, > > Yann > > _______________________________________________ > > phenixbb mailing list -- phenixbb(a)phenix-online.org > > To unsubscribe send an email to phenixbb-leave(a)phenix-online.org > > Unsubscribe: phenixbb-leave@%(host_name)s >

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Uknown non bonded
by yannlefrancoiscopy＠gmail.com 30 Jan '25

30 Jan '25

Hello, I'm a newbie phenix user, and i was trying to refine a model. and when i tried to refine it, I got an error message saying that some atoms had unknown nonbonded interaction. However, there are no indication to which one are problematic, Any tips on how to find the problematic one and how to correct them ? best wishes, Yann

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open position for a 2(+2) year postdoc working on plant sugar and hormone transport at Aarhus University, Denmark.
by Bjørn Panyella Pedersen 29 Jan '25

29 Jan '25

Dear colleagues, Please pass this along anyone who might be interested. Thanks! /Bjørn Postdoctoral position in biophysical and structural characterization of sugar and hormone transport, Denmark online posting: https://international.au.dk/about/profile/vacant-positions/job/postdoctoral… We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated postdoc with an interest in working on sugar and hormone transporting membrane transporters and preferably with a proven track record in the area of structural and/or functional analysis of membrane proteins. The position will be open from spring 2025, but starting date is negotiable. Funding is available for at least 2 years of employment, with an extension possible for up to a total of 4 years. The position: The position seeks to strengthen ongoing activities in the our group related to the function and mechanism of sugar and hormone-transporting membrane proteins in plants (pedersenlab.dk). Examples of our research can be found in: Schulz & Ung et al. "Transport of herbicides by PIN-FORMED auxin transporters" bioRxiv (2024) Andersen et al. Basis of Glucose and Fructose Selectivity in Sugar Transport Proteins" bioRxiv (2024) Bavnhøj et al. “Structure and sucrose binding mechanism of the plant SUC1 sucrose transporter.” Nature Plants 7 (2023) Ung et al. “Structures and mechanism of the plant PIN-FORMED auxin transporter” Nature 609 (2022). The laboratory's interest is the interplay between structure and function of transmembrane transport processes with a focus on metabolite uptake systems and proton driven transport, and the methods uses are primarily structural biology (cryo-EM, crystallography) and biochemistry. The group is part of the Section of Structural Biology at Aarhus University. The candidate: A successful candidate has a relevant Ph.D. degree and a solid and documented background in structural biology, biochemistry and/or biophysics. Experience with membrane protein expression and purification is favored, and the candidate must demonstrate an ability and interest to work with membrane proteins with a structural aim. Applicants should be ambitious, show strong collaborative skills, and be able to take initiatives and responsibility within the work environment. The successful candidate is offered: - access to a well-developed research infrastructure. - an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators. - a research climate inviting lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research. - a working environment with teamwork, close working relations, network activities among young scientists and social activities. - a workplace characterized by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance. The city: In Aarhus you have easy access to beautiful nature, an exciting culture and city life as well as a safe environment for children - a great place for the whole family. The city of Aarhus has everything you need: exciting national and international jobs, delightful residential areas, a rich cultural life, and beautiful surrounding landscape of woods and coastline that make Aarhus a wonderful place to live and work. See “life in Denmark” at Aarhus and surroundings for further details on the city and the university (https://international.au.dk/life/locations/aarhusandsurroundings). Deadline: All applications must be made online and received by 28. Feb. 2025 using the online application system (link above).

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Reminder: Phenix Postdoc Position - Berkeley, California
by Paul Adams 27 Jan '25

27 Jan '25

Dear Colleagues, The Phenix team is hiring! We are looking for talented postdoctoral candidates to join the group in Berkeley. Please see the details below, and feel free to pass on to anyone you think might be interested. To access the job posting directly: https://jobs.lbl.gov/jobs/computational-postdoctoral-fellow-6893 Cheers, Paul Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division (MBIB) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to develop new computational methods for the structure determination and refinement of protein structures using the PHENIX software system. In this exciting role, you will work under the direction of the Deputy Director for this project with primary responsibilities including the development and implementation of numerical methods and new computational protocols, including the application of machine learning methods. The goals of the role include the development of automated pipelines for data analysis, structure completion and model validation. The Phenix software is used worldwide for the determination of atomic structures using X-ray and neutron crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The software is developed as part of an international collaboration supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Phenix Industrial Consortium. This will require the organization of results for presentation and viewing by project team members, the wider scientific community, and preparing results for publication in scientific journals. This position has an earliest start date of February 3, 2025. What You Will Do: Develop and implement computational algorithms for structure determination using crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy including: Improved methods for the optimization and completion of models Automated pipelines for data analysis, structure completion, and model validation Apply machine learning methods to problems in crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Develop and test new components of the PHENIX software system in collaboration with others. Document software developments. Collaborate with other researchers in the PHENIX program. Summarize research results, publish them in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to scientific research papers and reports. Contribute to discussions on the determination of future directions. Attend group meetings or conferences/workshops, present status reports, and scientific findings as appropriate. Keep accurate and detailed research notes. What is Required: A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Computational Crystallography, Computational Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience in developing computational algorithms for solving problems. Demonstrated experience with computational methods development. Publications in macromolecular crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy or closely related fields. Good programming and mathematical skills, including familiarity with Python and other software development tools. Strong organizational skills including experience maintaining detailed and accurate records of experiment results and analyzed data. Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience organizing/presenting technical reports. Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience conducting experiments independently and collaborating with a diverse interdisciplinary research team. Desired Qualifications: Experience with machine learning methods, programming with C++, or equivalent object-oriented programming languages. Experience with the practical aspects of crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy. Familiarity with macromolecular structure or computational chemistry. -- Paul Adams (he/him/his) Associate Laboratory Director for Biosciences, LBL (https://biosciences.lbl.gov) Principal Investigator, Computational Crystallography Initiative, LBL (http://cci.lbl.gov) Vice President for Technology, the Joint BioEnergy Institute (http://www.jbei.org) Principal Investigator, ALS-ENABLE, Advanced Light Source (http://als-enable.lbl.gov) Laboratory Research Manager, ENIGMA Science Focus Area (http://enigma.lbl.gov) Adjunct Professor, Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley (http://bioeng.berkeley.edu) Member of the Graduate Group in Comparative Biochemistry, UC Berkeley (http://compbiochem.berkeley.edu) Building 91, Room 410 Building 978, Room 4126 Tel: 1-510-486-4225 http://cci.lbl.gov/paul ORCID: 0000-0001-9333-8219 Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road BLDG 91R0183 Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. Executive Assistant: Michael Espinosa [ MEEspinosa(a)lbl.gov ][ 1-510-333-6788 ] Phenix Consortium: Ashley Dawn [ AshleyDawn(a)lbl.gov ][ 1-510-486-5455 ] --

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About d99
by Roberto Battistutta 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

Dear Phenix people, In "New tools for the analysis and validation of cryo-EM maps and atomic models” (ActaD 2018), it is reported that "map sharpening can affect d99 (Fig. 9g) but it is rather insensitive to masking (Fig. 9h).” I have a case where d99 increases a lot with masking, as shown in the screenshot below (from Mtriage). On the other hand, FSC decreases. What does this mean? Can it be attributed to the fact that there is a strong scatterer in the molecule (a heavy atom) that strongly influences the intensity of the map? Are there other possible explanations (preferential orientation for example)? What is the best way to handle such maps? Thank you for the attention. Best, Roberto. Roberto Battistutta Associate Professor Department of Chemical Sciences University of Padua via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova - ITALY tel. +39.049.827.5262 fax. +39.049.827.5829 roberto.battistutta(a)unipd.it

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André Mitschler, former crystallography engineer in the BSI department, Strasbourg
by Alexandre OURJOUMTSEV 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

Sorry, my previous e-mail left with a wrong subject… Sacha = = = = Dear all, for those (I expect, many of you) who knew André Mitschler, I resubmit the message below. Sad news. It was a great and non-trivial person. With best wishes, Sacha Urzhumtsev = = = = From: Valerie LAMOUR <lamourv(a)igbmc.fr<mailto:[email protected]>> Sent: Friday, January 24, 2025 4:23 PM Subject: André Mitschler, former crystallography engineer in the BSI department André Mitschler est décédé le 5 Décembre, à l’âge de 83 ans. André était un cristallographe expérimental hors pair. Il a débuté en recherche dans le laboratoire du Prof Weiss où il a eu la charge du premier diffractomètre à RX de l’époque. En 1967, a entamé une fructueuse collaboration avec Dino Moras qui a pu bénéficier de son expertise et son adresse expérimentale pour sa thèse de 3e cycle. Leurs liens ne se sont jamais rompus. En 1981 Il a rejoint le laboratoire de cristallographie de Dino, nouvellement créé à l’IBMC. Il y a effectué le reste d’une fructueuse carrière d’ingénieur CNRS qui, en 1994, s’est poursuivie à l’IGBMC, un nouvel institut créé à Illkirch avec un important soutien de l’industrie pharmaceutique. En 1996, il a rejoint le groupe d’Alberto Podjarny, pour travailler dans la détermination de la structure de l’Aldose Reductase humaine. Les cristaux diffractaient à une résolution extrêmement haute (0.6 Angstroms). La mesure des données a demandé des nouveaux développements et l’utilisation des meilleures lignes synchrotron du monde. André était à la hauteur du défi, avec la capacité de passer de longues heures à monter et tester expérimentalement des cristaux. Il pouvait travailler 72 heures d’affilée dans le synchrotron d'Argonne National Lab. Le travail a culminé en 2008, avec la publication d’un mécanisme enzymatique inattendu. En 1999, il a obtenu la médaille de Cristal du CNRS, en reconnaissance de ses travaux en cristallographie expérimentale. André était aussi un passionné de l’histoire militaire, et a fait une carrière dans l’armée jusqu’à rang de colonel dans la cavalerie. Sa passion par la recherche, sa force de travail et son dévouement pour l’excellence expérimentale sont un exemple à suivre par tous les jeunes chercheurs. //// André Mitschler passed away on December 5th at the age of 83. André was an outstanding experimental crystallographer. He began his research career in Professor Weiss's laboratory, where he was responsible for the first X-ray diffractometer at the time. In 1967, he started a fruitful collaboration with Dino Moras, whose doctoral work benefited greatly from André's expertise and experimental skill. Their professional ties endured throughout their lives. In 1981, André joined Dino’s newly established crystallography laboratory at IBMC, where he spent the remainder of a productive career as a CNRS engineer. In 1994, he continued his work at IGBMC, a new institute in Illkirch supported by the pharmaceutical industry. In 1996, André joined Alberto Podjarny’s group to work on determining the structure of human aldose reductase. The crystals diffracted at an exceptionally high resolution (0.6 Å), which required innovative developments and access to the world's most advanced synchrotron beamlines. André rose to the challenge, demonstrating his ability to spend long hours preparing and experimentally testing crystals. He worked tirelessly, including 72-hour shifts at the Argonne National Laboratory synchrotron. This effort culminated in 2008 with the publication of an unexpected enzymatic mechanism. In 1999, André was awarded the CNRS Crystal Medal in recognition of his contributions to experimental crystallography. André was also a military history enthusiast and pursued a parallel career in the army, rising to the rank of colonel in the cavalry. His passion for research, tireless work ethic, and dedication to experimental excellence remain an inspiration for young researchers.

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Phenix Postdoc Position - Berkeley, California
by Paul Adams 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

Dear Colleagues, The Phenix team is hiring! We are looking for talented postdoctoral candidates to join the group in Berkeley. Please see the details below, and feel free to pass on to anyone you think might be interested. To access the job posting directly: https://jobs.lbl.gov/jobs/computational-postdoctoral-fellow-6893 Cheers, Paul Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division (MBIB) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to develop new computational methods for the structure determination and refinement of protein structures using the PHENIX software system. In this exciting role, you will work under the direction of the Deputy Director for this project with primary responsibilities including the development and implementation of numerical methods and new computational protocols, including the application of machine learning methods. The goals of the role include the development of automated pipelines for data analysis, structure completion and model validation. The Phenix software is used worldwide for the determination of atomic structures using X-ray and neutron crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The software is developed as part of an international collaboration supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Phenix Industrial Consortium. This will require the organization of results for presentation and viewing by project team members, the wider scientific community, and preparing results for publication in scientific journals. This position has an earliest start date of February 3, 2025. What You Will Do: Develop and implement computational algorithms for structure determination using crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy including: Improved methods for the optimization and completion of models Automated pipelines for data analysis, structure completion, and model validation Apply machine learning methods to problems in crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Develop and test new components of the PHENIX software system in collaboration with others. Document software developments. Collaborate with other researchers in the PHENIX program. Summarize research results, publish them in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to scientific research papers and reports. Contribute to discussions on the determination of future directions. Attend group meetings or conferences/workshops, present status reports, and scientific findings as appropriate. Keep accurate and detailed research notes. What is Required: A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Computational Crystallography, Computational Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience in developing computational algorithms for solving problems. Demonstrated experience with computational methods development. Publications in macromolecular crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy or closely related fields. Good programming and mathematical skills, including familiarity with Python and other software development tools. Strong organizational skills including experience maintaining detailed and accurate records of experiment results and analyzed data. Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience organizing/presenting technical reports. Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience conducting experiments independently and collaborating with a diverse interdisciplinary research team. Desired Qualifications: Experience with machine learning methods, programming with C++, or equivalent object-oriented programming languages. Experience with the practical aspects of crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy. Familiarity with macromolecular structure or computational chemistry. -- Paul Adams (he/him/his) Associate Laboratory Director for Biosciences, LBL (https://biosciences.lbl.gov) Principal Investigator, Computational Crystallography Initiative, LBL (http://cci.lbl.gov) Vice President for Technology, the Joint BioEnergy Institute (http://www.jbei.org) Principal Investigator, ALS-ENABLE, Advanced Light Source (http://als-enable.lbl.gov) Laboratory Research Manager, ENIGMA Science Focus Area (http://enigma.lbl.gov) Adjunct Professor, Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley (http://bioeng.berkeley.edu) Member of the Graduate Group in Comparative Biochemistry, UC Berkeley (http://compbiochem.berkeley.edu) Building 91, Room 410 Building 978, Room 4126 Tel: 1-510-486-4225 http://cci.lbl.gov/paul ORCID: 0000-0001-9333-8219 Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road BLDG 91R0183 Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. Executive Assistant: Michael Espinosa [ MEEspinosa(a)lbl.gov ][ 1-510-333-6788 ] Phenix Consortium: Ashley Dawn [ AshleyDawn(a)lbl.gov ][ 1-510-486-5455 ] --

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