ERC funded 4+1 year Post Doc Position: ‘Selective mRNA translation control: Cardiovascular development’

Background: hESC/iPSC-based human cardiac differentiation models and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering

Project: In mammals, translation is exquisitely regulated at the exit of pluripotency to rapidly reprogram the proteome to enable lineage commitment. Yet, the embryonic mediators of translation control and their mechanisms remain elusive. Our recent discoveries revealed that ribosomes act as decision hubs controlling cell fate and homeostasis via proteins recruited on the translation machinery and specialize mRNA translation. The project is dedicated to studying the mediators, mechanisms, and impact of selective mRNA translation in the regulation of embryonic cardiac cell fate and cell identity. This involves various high throughput approaches such as targeted CRISPR screens, eCLIP-seq, and Ribo-seq in combination with systematic molecular and mechanistic studies in hiPSC-based cardiac developmental models.

Your background and expertise: A stem cell/ dev. biologist with expertise in hESC/iPSC-based human cardiac differentiation models and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering, with at least one first-author high-quality publication with a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences.

Candidates with a thorough understanding of embryonic development, cardiac development, and stem cell biology will be prioritized.

Experience in conducting pooled CRISPR screens is highly advantageous. A keen interest in transcriptomic and proteomics data analysis is desirable.

What we offer: Opportunity and support to develop your own independent career. Stable long-term funding and state-of-the-art resources to conduct innovative research in RNA biology using human pluripotent stem cell-based models. Competitive salary, benefits, and family-friendly work culture. Possibility to work closely with startups.

Our Research Focus: We study the RNA regulatory principles that govern cell fate and identity during human cardiac development, homeostasis, and pathomechanisms of cardiac diseases. We employ pluripotent stem cells and cell fate engineering (2D differentiation and organoid models) in combination with systems biology and genome editing approaches to reconstruct and investigate human cardiac development and disease. Our long-term mission is to gain a systems-level understanding of the RNA regulatory principles that shape the self-organization and homeostasis of tissue and organs in humans to develop therapeutic solutions for tissue/ organ regeneration. www.kurianlab.com

1. Bartsch et al,…. Kurian L, Science Advances, 2023 Mar 29;9(13):eade1792
2. Frank S, ….Kurian L, Cell Stem Cell. 2019 Feb 7;24(2):318-327.e8.
3. Kurian L et al Nature, 2011

How to apply: Please submit your application as a single PDF file that includes:

1. 1-2 page research proposal demonstrating your interest in RNA regulatory mechanisms controlling cell identity
2. CV (including a list of publications, extra-curricular activities, and the contact details (e-mail address and phone number) of 2-3 academic referees.

Submit the application to leo(dot)kurian(at)uni-koeln.de.

Women and persons from underrepresented groups will be given priority when equally qualified