PhD position (Epigenetics & Nuclear Dynamics; Gene Regulation & Evolution): Gene expression control by chromatin remodellers (m/f/d)

Thinking of doing your PhD in the Life Sciences? The International PhD Programme (IPP) on Gene Regulation, Epigenetics & Genome Stability is offering talented students the chance to work at the cutting edge of research. As an IPP PhD student, you will join a community of exceptional scientists working on diverse topics ranging from how organisms age or how our DNA is repaired, to how epigenetics regulates cellular identity or neural memory.

Activities and responsibilities:

Our research aims to discover, prevent or target epigenetic mechanisms of myeloid neoplasia evolution, adaptation and resistance. To do so, we integrate diverse state-of-the-art techniques of quantitative epigenomics and proteomics during dynamic processes such as the preleukemic development or the adaptation to a specific treatment. The research of the group relates to a well-timed and sensitive dilemma in the emerging treatment landscape of aging-related myeloid neoplasms such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukemias (AML): the rational utilization of clinically relevant epigenetic inhibitors. Clinical trials with single compounds targeting epigenetic modifiers have often disappointed in the treatment of myeloid neoplasms due to either a primary lack of response, or the subsequent acquisition of nongenetic (mechanistic) adaptation. We hope to avoid a similar outcome for emerging inhibitors, by performing a comprehensive, non-biased assessment of mechanisms of action and of functional
consequences in normal hematopoiesis and diverse types of myeloid neoplasia.

PhD Projects: Rational p300/CREBBP KAT inhibition in AML
Within this project, one “wet-lab” PhD Student and one “bioinformatics” PhD Student will initially perform a comprehensive mechanistic and functional deconstruction of the p300/CREBBP roles in diverse models of AML, and then conduct an integrative assessment of the effects of p300/CREBBP KAT inhibition in both treatment-naïve and resistant settings. Methodologically, we will use a series of up-to-date epigenomic, proteomic and functional techniques in multiple orthogonal systems (cell lines, primary human samples and murine models). This integrative approach will show AML type-specific dynamics at chromatin during treatment response and development of resistance, while also minimizing experimental biases.

If you are interested in this project, please select Sasca as your group preference in the IPP application platform.

What we offer:
• Exciting, interdisciplinary projects in a vividly international environment, with English as our working language
• Advanced training in scientific techniques and professional skills
• Access to state-of-the-art Core Facilities and their technical expertise
• 14 fully funded positions with financing until the completion of your thesis
• A lively community of 24 PhD students supported by 25 Principle Investigators
• Collaboration with the International PhD Programme (IPP) at IMB with more than 150 PhD students from 40 different countries

Requirements:
Are you an ambitious, young scientist looking to push the boundaries of science while interacting with colleagues from multiple disciplines and cultures? Then the IPP is your opportunity to give your scientific career a flying start!

All you need is:
• Master or equivalent
• Interactive personality & good command of English
• 2 letters of reference

For more details on the projects offered and how to apply via our online form, please visit https://www.imb.de/phd

The deadline for applications is 19 November 2022. Interviews will take place on-site in Mainz 16-18 January 2023.
Starting date: 1 March 2022 – 1 July 2023