Sex-chromosome dosage compensation is one of the most fascinating problems in biology. Females carry two X chromosomes, while males only have one. Despite this imbalance, males and females express X-linked genes at roughly equal levels. How is the correct dosage of X-linked genes achieved? In flies, the histone acetyltransferase MOF associates with the MSL complex to specifically hyperacetylate histone H4 at lysine 16 throughout the male X chromosome, thereby triggering transcriptional upregulation and achieving dosage compensation of X-linked genes. However, how the MSL complex achieves its exquisite specificity for the X chromosome and how its binding translates into transcriptional effects are still unresolved questions. The lab is interested in addressing these questions using cutting-edge imaging approaches, including super-resolution live imaging to track both the MSL complex and transcription-related proteins, and/or nascent RNA imaging approaches to interrogate how transcriptional kinetic parameters such as burst amplitude, frequency and duration change during dosage compensation initiation and maintenance. The recruited postdoc will work on advancing our mechanistic understanding of the dosage compensation mechanism using imaging approaches.

Qualifications:

• Applicants should have a PhD in microscopy, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, imaging or a related discipline
• At least two years of experience working with either in situ super-resolution imaging of proteins (e.g. PALM, STORM, STED) or RNA imaging (e.g. MS2 or PP7, smFISH or CRISPR-dCas13) is required
• Experience working with Drosophila melanogaster is required
• Candidates should have a strong publication record
• The ability to work effectively in a team, possess good communication skills and have prior experience in the supervision of graduate students would be favourable