Part-Time Internship - Izard Lab
About the role
Join a dynamic structural biology group at the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, where we push the boundaries of molecular visualization and membrane biology. Our lab integrates cutting-edge cryoEM, membrane biophysics, and infection/immunity research to redefine how receptors like integrins, GPCRs, and adhesion complexes are regulated. This position offers the opportunity to drive high-impact projects, publish in top journals, and grow your expertise in method development and biological discovery.
Successful candidates will work in a cutting-edge research environment with new state-of-the-art facilities. The laboratory has outstanding cell biology, molecular biology, protein expression, purification, biochemistry, cryogenic electron microscopy, and protein crystallography facilities. The laboratory has access to many exceptional Cores, facilitating basic research and drug development. The unique infrastructure includes the application of unique chemical, genomic, proteomic, informatics, and high-throughput screening and engineering tools for discovering novel biomolecules.
CryoEM at UF-Scripps: Tina Izard installed the first 300 kV cryo Atomic Resolution Microscope (cryoARM300) in the Americas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdVxAN8xy1w&feature=youtu.be) and has plenty of microscope time dedicated to the laboratory staff. This state-of-the-art transmission electron microscope is a 300 kV high-resolution microscope capable of carrying out cryogenic electron microscopy studies by providing atomic resolution for structural studies involving single particle analyses. The transmission electron microscope is equipped with a new and improved Gatan K3 direct electron detector camera with better DQE, a larger field of view (24 Megapixels – 5,760 x 4,092), and faster (3.75 times that of the K2 camera). The direct detection devices are exquisitely sensitive, produce high signal-to-noise images, and are ideal for high-resolution studies.
X-ray crystallography at UF-Scripps: The lab has access to SER-CAT beamlines at Sector 22 of the Advanced Photon Source, including modern insertion device lines (22-ID-D, variable wavelength, and 22-ID-E, fixed wavelength) as well as a bending magnet line (22-BM) for macromolecular crystallography. These facilities are equipped with updated optics and detectors, and fall under current APS upgrades, ensuring high performance for structural biology projects. The lab has access to a HighFlux X-ray diffraction system, specifically a Rigaku MicroMax-007 HF, a second-generation microfocus rotating anode generator, and a mar345