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

BRIC and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen

Description

The fellowships are divided among the centre’s five research groups located at Dept. Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Southern University of Denmark and BRIC, University of Copenhagen.

The over-all goal for the Centre’s research is to elucidate how epigenetics contributes to the regulation of a diverse array of cellular processes, such as transcription, DNA replication and genomic stability and to biological processes such as cell fate decisions, differentiation and normal development. The Centre brings together complementary techniques and expertise covering sophisticated biochemical methods, refined techniques for studying stem cell function, frontline methods in proteomics, high-throughput genetic methods for mammalian cells, C. elegans genetics and mouse models.

More about Centre for Epigenetics and the research groups on our website www.epigenetics.dk

Project 1: Histone Dynamics (Groth Group, BRIC)
The aim of this project is to develop a technology to isolate target complexes from chromatin and map chromatin environment. We are particularly interested in the histone chaperone ASF1 and its interplay with the replicative helicase MCM2-7 in replication and fork repair.
• Start: Preferably Fall 2012 or after agreement

Project 2: Chromatin Replication (Groth Group, BRIC)
The aim of this project is to dissect novel mechanisms acting to restore the chromatin landscape after DNA replication and understand how epigenetically defined chromatin domains are transmitted to daughter cells. The lab has taken a proteomics approached to study chromatin replication and this project will involve functional characterization of new factors identified on newly synthesized chromatin. This project is part of the ERC-stg-2011-CHROMATINREPLICATION.
• Start: Preferably Spring 2013 or after agreement

Project 3: Structural and Functional Characterization of Post-translational Modifications of Proteins (Jensen Group, SDU)
The aim of this project is to develop mass spectrometry based tools for structural and func¬tio-nal characterization of post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins. In particular, we will focus on the role of multiple, combinatorial PTMs in defining protein activity and inter¬actions, and in the signaling of regulatory networks in the cell. We will apply state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and bioinformatics tools to localize and quantify PTMs in signaling proteins and in chromatin binding proteins, including histones.
• Start: Preferably Fall 2012 or after agreement

Project 4: Signalling to Chromatin (Hansen Group, BRIC)
The aim of this project is to obtain a better understanding of how signalling pathways affect chromatin structure and gene expression through chemical modifications of histones and chromatin associated protein complexes. We are particular interested in the mitogen- and stress-activated kinases (Msk and Jnk) and their impact on cell fate decisions.
• Start: Preferably Fall 2012.

Project 5: Chromatin Factors in C. elegans (Salcini Group, BRIC)
The aim of the project is to unravel the role of histone methyltransferase and histone de-methylase under stress conditions and during postembryonic development. Both genetic and biochemical approaches will be applied. We use C. elegans as a model system and previous experience in the system is advantageous but not strictly required.
• Start: Preferably Fall 2012 or after agreement

Project 6: Cancer and Epigenetics (Helin Group, BRIC)
The lab is performing several functional screens to identify chromatin-associated genes with a role in the development of human cancer. The PhD fellow will be responsible for the determination of the biological and biochemical function of some of the identified hits.
• Start: Preferentially Fall of 2012 or thereafter

Project 7: Stem Cell Biology and Epigenetics (Helin Group, BRIC)
The Polycomb group proteins are key regulators of cell fate decisions during development and differentiation. The lab has through the last 10 years contributed significantly to the under-standing of the molecular mechanisms by which the Polycomb group proteins exert their control. The PhD project will deal with our on-going efforts to understand the function of the various Polycomb group proteins.
• Start: Preferably Spring 2013 or after agreement.

Qualifications

We are looking for highly motivated, ambitious candidates with:

• A Master Science*) in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or in a related field
• Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry and/or epigenetics
• Interest and/or knowledge in epigenetics and/or proteomics

It is a condition that the candidate’s MSc is equivalent to a full Danish Master of Science (typically of 5 years). In case of doubt, the Danish Agency for International Education (www.iu.dk/eng) may be asked to evaluate the degree.

Salary

Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary begins around 25.300 DKK (ca. 3.400 EUR) plus pension.

Application details

Please see find the full legal advertisement and application details on:
http://epigenetics.ku.dk/

Starting date: 2012-05-31
Closing date: 2012-06-30