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

BRIC, University of Copenhagen

Description

One 3 year and two 2-years postdoctoral positions are available in the Groth research group at BRIC, University of Copenhagen. Research in the Groth group focuses on how chromatin is replicated to ensure faithful transmission of both genetic and epigenetic information during cell division (Alabert and Groth, Nature Rev Mol Cell Biol). They combine state of the art biochemical and proteomic approaches with cell biology and advanced imaging to address this question in human cells.

Read more about the Groth Group.

Chromatin Replication
Successful candidates will be part of an ERC funded project with the aim to dissect novel mechanisms acting to restore the chromatin landscape after DNA replication. To dissect this fundamental processes and its coordination in time and space with DNA replication, we have developed a novel technology termed nascent chromatin capture (NCC) for biochemical and proteomic analysis of chromatin replication in human cells. This project will involve functional characterization of new factors acting at human replication forks to restore chromatin organization and dissection of how replication timing and genotoxic stress impact on final chromatin state. Two postdoctoral positions (3 years and 2-years) are available

Start: Preferably Spring 2013 or after agreement

Replication Stress & Epigenome Stability
Maintenance of the epigenetic fabric overlaying DNA sequence relies on proper restoration of chromatin on daughter strands during replication. We propose that replication stress triggers accumulation of stochastic chromatin aberrations at sites of fork stalling and collapse, which can be transmitted to succeeding generations and alter gene expression (Jasencakova and Groth 2010 BioEssays; Jasencakova et al 2010 Mol Cell). Deregulation of replication in response to oncogenes and genotoxic insults promotes genome instability in cancer; our hypothesis predicts that epigenetic changes arise in parallel due to chromatin restoration defects. This project aims to test this hypothesis and reveal whether replication stress can fuel epigenetic instability. One 2-year postdoctoral position is available.

Start: Fall 2012 or after agreement

Qualifications

We are looking for highly motivated, ambitious candidates with:

• A PhD in life science: Biology, Bioche¬mistry, Biotechnology, or equivalent
• Expertise in molecular cell biology, biochemistry and/or bioinformatics 
• Experience in chromatin biology, epigenetics and/or DNA replication

The ideal candidates will be team players and have excellent communication skills.

Salary

Currently, the monthly salary starts around 31.800 DKK/ca. 4.250 Euro plus 17,1% in pension. Depending on qualifications, a higher salary may be negotiated.

Application details

Your application must be submitted electronically via our website on www.bric.ku.dk/jobs/ where you also find the full legal advertisement and further application details.
http://www.bric.ku.dk/jobs/

Relavant web link: http://www.bric.ku.dk

Starting date: 2012-07-27
Closing date: 2012-08-30