An ambitious EC-funded research initiative on epigenetics advancing towards systems biology

Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM)

Description

Our research group is interested in chromatin and transcription biology and in epigenetic transitions during T cell development. In this context, we wish to develop a project, based on preliminary observations that will determine transcription elongation progression in vivo using various approaches, such as genomics and live imaging.

In this project and based on our preliminary results, we will optimize a procedure allowing to follow paused RNA Polymerase (Pol) II release from the promoter and progress of the enzyme throughout gene bodies in living cells. We will further connect this progression with nucleosome positioning dynamic within intronic and exonic regions as well as with the nature of the associated nucleosomes. Taking advantage of a novel technique in development in the laboratory, we will also monitor 3D Pol II interactions before and after pause release. These approaches will involve genome-wide mapping such as ChIP-seq, MNase-seq or Chia-PET. Finally, to selected target genes, we will perform in vivo assessment of elongation rates in single cells by performing fluorescence microscopy and live-cell imaging and compare our population results to single–cell analyses.

The position will be held for 2 years in the team ‘Transcription and Epigenomics in Developing T-cells’ at the IGMM institute in Montpellier that is part of the labex EpiGenMed, representing laboratories of excellence of the Languedoc region. The position could start in the first months of 2015. The selected applicant will benefit from an environment with experience in transcription and epigenetic and will get bioinformatics support from the team.

Qualifications

The applicant should be highly motivated, dynamic with a strong background in Molecular Biology and a good knowledge in the fields of transcription, chromatin and genomics. Although not compulsory, skills in bioinformatics would ideally complement this profile.

Salary

2550 euros/month

Application details

Please send you CV, including 2 references, and application to:
Jean-Christophe Andrau - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Relevant web link: http://www.igmm.cnrs.fr/spip.php?rubrique161

Starting date: 2nd February 2015