We are thrilled to announce an opening for a postdoctoral researcher in Sina Wittmann‘ Lab!
If you’ve recently completed your PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, or a related field and are passionate about Transcription Factor Condensation Research, we’d love to hear from you.
Background
As part of the Protein Disorder in Transcription group headed by Sina Wittmann, you will work on a project that studies condensation of transcription factors on DNA. Thanks to the development of new imaging techniques, recent years uncovered that the transcription initiation machinery condenses into droplets with liquid-like properties. The lab is generally interested in understanding how these transcriptional condensates are formed and how they regulate gene expression (for more information please visit our website). Biological condensation is often driven by intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), protein regions that do not fold into a 3D structure but remain flexible. Strikingly, IDRs are highly over-represented in proteins involved in transcription, especially in transcription factors. We are trying to decipher how IDRs control the formation and properties of condensates with approaches that range from in vitro biochemistry to genome-wide expression and binding studies in cells.
The position: Deciphering the role of transcription factor IDRs in condensate assembly on DNA
In your project, we do not merely want to study bulk phenomena but decipher how the IDR composition controls the formation of transcription factor assemblies on the molecular level. For this, we are trying to determine how many molecules are contained within an assembly and what their molecular arrangement is. Furthermore, transcription factors assemble on DNA in vivo and you will specifically look at the role of DNA in the assembly process. To this end, you will use our brand-new Lumicks optical tweezers system, perform state-of-the-art microscopy, DNA curtain assays, recombinant expression and purification of proteins, phase separation and DNA binding assays as well as analysis of all data generated.
The project is a collaborative effort with the groups of Edward Lemke and Martin Girard (Project R12), offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge science and innovation.
Application Deadline: 15th December 2024
Start Date: February 2025 or later
Duration: Initially 2 years, with possibility of extension
Have we sparked your interest:
To apply, please upload your application containing your cover letter, CV, certificates and contact information of at least two professional references to our application form on imb.de/jobs/scientific-positions. Should you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact us by email hr@imb-mainz.de, quoting Ref. No. #SWPD01. Informal enquires should be addressed to Dr Sina Wittmann. IMB is an equal opportunity employer.
Original add can be found here.