Postdoctoral position in cancer systems biology | Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Drier la​b for systems biology of cancer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is recruiting a postdoctoral research associate to systematically study how non-coding DNA alterations drive cancer.

Our lab combines cutting edge experimental techniques with big-data analytical approaches to systematically study the role of epigenetic alterations at regulatory DNA drive cancer in cancer initiation and progression. We currently focus on two types of regulatory DNA elements: enhancers (regulating transcription), and CTCF binding sites (regulating chromosomal topology, i.e. the folding of the chromosome in 3D).

We have previously demonstrated that aberrant DNA methylation of CTCF binding sites in IDH-mutant glioma [1] and SDH deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumors [2] perturbs chromosomal topology to drive tumorigenesis. We are now extending this framework across cancer to test the interplay between metabolism, epigenetics, chromosome topology and gene regulation, and its dysregulation across different types of cancer. We are also utilizing enhancer and transcriptional characterization of tumors to reconstruct the transcriptional regulatory networks that drive cancer initiation, progression and response to therapy, and infer clinically relevant biomarkers and drug targets (as we have previously demonstrated, e.g. [3,4]).

We are looking for talented and motivated and independent postdoc research associate to join our team. Prospective candidates should have some knowledge and experience in both molecular biology and computational biology, and excellent research skills in at least one of these two. PhD in relevant fields is required. The position is fully funded by an ERC grant (CancerEpiTopology ), starting date is flexible. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

To apply please email CV to [email protected]

For additional details see our website at http://yotamdrier.ekmd.huji.ac.il/

[1] Insulator dysfunction and oncogene activation in IDH mutant gliomas . Flavahan WA*, Drier Y* et al. Nature, 2016.

[2] Altered chromosomal topology drives oncogenic programs in SDH-deficient GIST . Flavahan WA*, Drier Y* et al. Nature, 2019.

[3] An oncogenic MYB feedback loop drives alternate cell fates in adenoid cystic carcinoma . Drier Y* et al. Nature Genetics, 2016.

[4] Enhancer signatures stratify and predict outcomes of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors . Cejas P*, Drier Y* et al. Nature Medicine, 2019.