Postdoctoral Fellow in Structural Biology: The Dodonova group at EMBL Heidelberg seeks a postdoc with a biochemistry and/or structural biology background to investigate the 3D organization of archaeal chromatin and the role of histone tails. Funded by the HFSP Early Career Research Grant, this position offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge experimental research.
Postdoctoral Fellow in Structural Biology and Evolution of Chromatin
Designation: Postdoctoral Fellow
Research Area: Structural Biology and Evolution of Chromatin
Location: EMBL Heidelberg
Eligibility/Qualification:
- PhD in structural biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines (or you are close to finishing your PhD).
- Experience in cryo-EM/cryo-ET data acquisition and processing.
- Experience in biochemistry (protein expression & purification, DNA-protein complex characterization).
- Confidence in working via command line.
- Strong interest in the research topic, high motivation, and commitment.
- Ability to work independently and creatively, in an international team with a highly collaborative atmosphere.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, fluency in English.
Job Description: The successful candidate will work on a cutting-edge experimental research project in the structure-function analysis of chromatin in archaea. The goal of the project is to understand how eukaryotes evolved histone tails and tail-based regulatory mechanisms from an archaeal ancestor, and what role could the tails play in proto-eukaryotic chromatin. Practically, the project involves merging tail-less histones of a model archaeon with selected eukaryotic or Asgard histone tails in vitro and in vivo to investigate the structural and functional effects on a molecular level. Techniques involved include cryo-EM single particle analysis of nucleosomes, FIB-milling of archaeal cells, cryo electron tomography (cryo-ET), and subtomogram averaging of chromatin fibres. This project is in close collaboration with the laboratory of Naomichi Takemata (Kyoto University), involving regular communication and scientific exchange.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should apply through the EMBL job portal. Ensure all required documents and reference numbers are included.
Last Date for Apply: 31 July 2024
Contract duration: 3 years Grading: Stipend Reference number: HD02627
Why join us: EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented, and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. We are, therefore, committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture – one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation.
For more details, visit the Dodonova group page at EMBL Heidelberg.
