Postdoc in quantitative gene regulation and epigenetics

The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin (MPIMG) is an international research institute with approx. 350 employees, dedicated to functional genomics, with a focus on gene regulation and epigenomic control mechanisms in mammalian development and disease.

The Systems Epigenetics team, headed by Dr. Edda Schulz offers an open fulltime position (can also be a part-time position):

Postdoctoral Associate (m/f/d)

(E13 according to the TVöD salary scale)

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with a background in epigenetics or gene regulation to join our endeavors to uncover the complex mechanisms employed for quantitative gene control in mammals. We integrate theoretical approaches with experimental techniques, such as (epi)genomic profiling, CRISPR screens and quantitative (epi)genetic editing. We use the Xist gene as a model to study (1) how quantitative information is decoded, (2) how multiple signals are integrated, and (3) how distinct transcriptional states are maintained through epigenetic memory (see lab website www.molgen.mpg.de/schulz-lab for more details).

The project can be shaped according to the background and interests of the candidate.

Potential project spaces include:

1. Dissecting dynamics and heterogeneity of chromatin state transitions at the onset of X-chromosome inactivation through single-cell epigenetics, single-molecule footprinting and Micro-Capture-C.
2. Tracking the evolution of regulatory principles governing the onset of X-inactivation through comparative analysis of human, primate and mouse pluripotent stem cells.
3. Undercovering the rules that underlie signal decoding by cis-regulatory landscapes through construction of synthetic loci and quantitative tuning of input signals.

The successful candidate will be a passionate individual with a PhD in biology or related fields. Experience in genome engineering, stem cell culture, genomics or quantitative biology would be appreciated.

The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin is the flagship institute of the Max Planck Society for genome research, offering an internationally competitive research environment and cutting edge infrastructure for genomics and big data tools. The institute is located in Berlin, a thriving European capitol, and offers competitive salaries and social benefits.

The position is limited for 3 years. It is available as of now but starting dates are negotiable.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Please apply as soon as possible, but no later than October 16, 2022 via our external application system, including (i) a brief cover letter (describing your motivation), (ii) a CV, (iii) contact information of 2-3 references.

For further information please contact Edda Schulz (edda.schulz@molgen.mpg.de).