Job Code: 754
Job offer from April 15, 2024
We are looking for a Postdoc (m/f/d) in RNA biology.
The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics is world-class research institute based in Freiburg, Germany. We are looking for a postdoctoral scientist to work in the Department of Chromatin Regulation headed by Prof. Dr. Asifa Akhtar.
A major focus of the Akhtar lab is understanding long noncoding RNAs and RNA remodeling by the RNA helicase DHX9. Our most recent work in Drosophila revealed that phase separation between the unstructured CTD of MSL2 and the roX RNAs is responsible for establishment of a gel-like condensate that promotes local transcriptional activation (Valsecchi et al., 2021 Nature). In the future the lab will dissect the fascinating question of what properties of this phase-separated compartment are responsible for guiding transcriptional upregulation at genomic loci found inside it. In mammals our lab has identified DHX9 as a key enzyme in protecting cells against the harmful effects of retrotransposon-derived secondary RNA structures (Aktas et al., 2017
Nature). We also made the unexpected discovery that DHX9 governs a dedicated response to protect cells against UV-induced RNA damage through the assembly of subcellular organelles known as stress granules (Zhou et al., 2024 Cell). In the future we will investigate the physiological roles of DHX9 in resolving both Alu inverted repeats and UV-induced RNA damage in more detail.
The position is available for an initial two-year appointment with the possibility of extension.
The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg, Germany is an interdisciplinary research institution that conducts basic research in two key areas of modern biology: Immunobiology and Epigenetics. Central questions address the molecular basis of cell type identities, as they are regulated during immune cell differentiation, metabolic response and epigenetic chromatin adaptation.
Your tasks
We are looking for an independent and motivated post-doctoral scientist interested in exploring the lncRNAs roX1/rox2, RNA helicase MLE and/or the RNA helicase DHX9. For this we seek applicants with a strong background in experimental work in the relevant model organism(s) (Drosophila melanogaster and/or mouse models or human/mouse cell lines). The recruited scientist will apply a combination of methodologies, including NGS technologies, microscopy, proteomics, metabolomics or other techniques, as appropriate.
Your qualifications
- Applicants should have an academic degree in life science plus a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics and/or high-resolution imaging
- Prior experience working with mouse models, mammalian cell culture models and/or Drosophila melanogaster is required
- A minimum of two years of experience in methods to study RNA biology is a prerequisite
- Candidates should have at least one first author publication
- The ability to work in a team, communication skills and experience in the supervision of graduate students are an asset
Our offer
Located in a region that connects Germany, France and Switzerland, our institute offers an international research environment with outstanding infrastructure facilities and a positive working atmosphere that places a high value on work-life balance.
- Payment according to TVöD up to a maximum of E13 if the collectively agreed and personal requirements are fulfilled
- Social benefits in line with public service (VBL)
- Additional performance-related remuneration component
- Professional training and development opportunities
- Good public transport connections and subsidy for job ticket
- Challenging work in a modern working environment
- Mobile working at a location of your choice within Germany is possible up to a maximum of 40% of the regular weekly working hours in justified cases.
- Family-friendly offers (affiliated day care center at the institute, parent-child room, breastfeeding room)
We value and promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, so we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from severely disabled people. We would also like to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore expressly encourage women to apply.
Your application
Have we sparked your interest? Please submit your complete application, including a statement of research interests and a CV via our online application portal until 13 May 2024. At the same time, please ask three of your referees to send recommendation letters to shvedunova@ie-freiburg.mpg.de.
Max Planck Institute for Immunobiology and Epigenetics
Stübeweg 51
79108 Freiburg
Germany