Absolute stoichiometry determination of dynamic protein complexes

Mass spectrometry is the most widely used technology for the determination, and, in more recent years, accurate quantification, of the proteome composition. Even though a handful of tools have been devised to determined the absolute abundance of specific analyses, only very few attempts have been made to use these techniques for the determination of the absolute stoichiometry of protein complexes. The goal of this project is to use Single Reaction Monitoring (SRM)-MS, in combination with AQUA peptides, to define the absolute stoichiometry of dynamically assembling protein complexes that are relevant in the context of inflammation and autoimmune diseases. 

The project will provide the student with a solid background in targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry and will entail the combination of MS data with orthogonal sources of information, including structural biology data. The student will be closely supervised and enjoy the support of, and interaction with, a large research group working at the cutting edge of mass spectrometry, but will also be expected to display a high degree of critical thinking and independence. Overall, her/his endeavour shall contribute to providing answers to long-standing questions in the field of inflammation, and to implement a challenging but promising strategy for the determination of protein complexes architectures. 

For further information, please send a CV and a motivation statement to Dr. Rodolfo Ciuffa ()