Doctoral fellow - Department of Biomolecular Medicine

Last application date Oct 15, 2021 00:00

Department GE31 - Department of Biomolecular Medicine

Contract Limited duration

Degree PhD

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

Understanding RNA-related mechanisms and dysregulation in leukemia

The Ntziachristos laboratory studies the mechanistic aspects of oncogenesis with an emphasis on posttranslational and epigenetic regulation of acute leukemia. We focus on how oncogenes interact with each other and with epigenetic modulators to influence gene expression programs as well as how their function is related to tri-dimensional (3D) structure of the nucleus and other biological aspects of cancer cells, like metabolism. Recent studies from our group focus on how active deubiquitination controls aspects of oncogenesis, including transcription factors or splicing, and ultimately leads to drug resistance in leukemia. To address these questions, we use high-throughput molecular and cell biology techniques like RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, 4C-Seq and HiC, fluorescent in situ hybridization, biochemical analysis e.t.c., in cell lines and primary cells of human origin and tissues of mouse models of disease. In addition to understanding cancer biology these finding help us design and test targeted therapies in preclinical models of leukemia. Our research is currently supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) via a generous Odysseus Grant (Brussels Times & fwo-odysseus) and by UGent start-up funds.
Highly-motivated scientists, ideally with a strong track record and expertise in RNA biology and biochemistry and the study of splicing factors and phenomena, RNA modifications and RNA-protein interactions are encouraged to apply. The candidates should have a Master's degree. Knowledge of gene expression biology and of high-throughput methodologies such as RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, biochemistry of large complexes and eCLIP is preferable. Knowledge of bioinformatics analysis is not required but will be an asset for the position. Successful candidates will be part of a multidisciplinary team, with expertise in molecular and cancer biology and bioinformatics, and of projects sought out to understand oncogenic mechanisms in leukemia.
The group is a member of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Department of Biomolecular Medicine situated in the campus of Ghent University, in the heart of the Ghent metropolitan area. The team has access to cutting-edge technology and facilities and is exposed to the vibrant scientific community of Ghent University, the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) and other research centers in Belgium. Scientists in the group have the opportunity to present their work and get feedback in Institutional, National and International forums.
The appointment offers competitive salary and generous benefits and the position can be initiated effective immediately.
Related links:
https://www.ntziachristoslab.com/research.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=ntziachristos+p

Applicants should contact Panos Ntziachristos via email at [email protected],  or [email protected]  with their CV and a short motivation letter.