Submitted by Steven E. Brenner on
Proteins often fold into compact structural units, called domains. Protein domains are basic units of protein function and evolution. Delineating domain boundaries is a prerequisite for further analyses of protein structures. However, this process is largely a manual process and the accuracy of these computer programs is still not satisfactory. This project will include two parts: critical assessment of current protein domain identification programs, and development of approaches to improve the accuracy by combining existing computer programs. Students interested in AJAX web development are also invited to help improve the web interface for displaying current data on protein domain architectures.
You will work closely with Brenner Lab Staff Researcher John-Marc Chandonia to critically assess current protein domain identification programs, and develop approaches to improve the accuracy by combining existing computer programs.
The student should have a keen interest in bioinformatics and should be familiar with at least one programming language. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.6 will be considered only in exceptional circumstances. The student must be able to attend 3-hour lab meeting every week, attend a subgroup meeting every week, adhere to other lab policy (including weekly notebooks to track research, semester reports) and register for credits, regardless of their program-specific requirements. Our lab is interdisciplinary, and we want to get a holistic picture of your background, so please include your unofficial transcript with your application.