Postdoc in Transcription Factor Condensation Research

Postdoc in Transcription Factor Condensation Research

IMB - Institute of Molecular Biology

Mainz, Germany

The position

Deciphering the role of transcription factor IDRs in condensate assembly on DNA

In your project, we do not merely want to study bulk phenomena but decipher how the IDR composition controls the formation of transcription factor assemblies on the molecular level. For this, we are trying to determine how many molecules are contained within an assembly and what their molecular arrangement is. Furthermore, transcription factors assemble on DNA in vivo and you will specifically look at the role of DNA in the assembly process. To this end, you will use our brand-new Lumicks optical tweezers system, perform state-of-the-art microscopy, DNA curtain assays, recombinant expression and purification of proteins, phase separation and DNA binding assays as well as analysis of all data generated.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Characterisation of transcription factor assemblies using both bulk assays (fluorescence microscopy, scattering) and single-molecule assays (optical tweezers and DNA curtains);
• Generation of different DNA substrates;
• Recombinant expression and purification of proteins;
• Analysis and documentation of all data generated;
• Regular participation and presentation at CRC1551 events which involves presenting to and discussing with scientists from other disciplines (physics, chemistry, computational biology);
• Regular participation and presentation in meetings at IMB and in conferences;
• Study of relevant scientific literature.

Requirements

• Highly motivated and creative researcher who enjoys multi-disciplinary science and single-molecule studies;
• Recently completed PhD in biochemistry, structural biology or related discipline;
• Strong background in biochemistry and biophysical assays;
• Ability to work closely with scientists outside your field (esp. physicists);
• Experience in recombinant expression and purification of proteins as well as cloning;
• Ability to work precisely and good attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team;
• Willingness to learn new skills;
• Very good oral and written communication skills in English;
• Experience in the following is desired:
  • working in an inter-disciplinary environment;
  • using optical tweezers or other single-molecule technique;
  • experimentation with IDR-containing proteins;
  • fluorescence microscopy;
  • python (or other language) for data analysis;
  • background in the regulation of gene expression.

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