Specific field of research
Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Chemical Biology, Biophysics
Cell and Developmental Biology, Genetics
Short description of the group/project/topic of research
Cells are continuously exposed to a range of biomechanical forces emanating from their dynamic, topologically complex microenvironments. Emerging evidence suggests that transcription is not only regulated by the activity of promoters and enhancers but is also sensitive to mechanical forces which have profound effects on gene transcription. The mechanisms by which forces alter the highly organized and tightly-controlled transcriptional processes are thought to involve nuclear deformation. However, virtually nothing is known about the direct effects of nuclear deformation and changes in chromatin biophysics on global transcriptional kinetics in real time. This project combines genetic approaches with single cell live imaging, mathematical modeling, optogenetics, sequencing, and biophysical approaches to determine the effect of mechanical forces and nuclear deformation on gene and enhancer activities and coordination.
Additional information
We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow interested in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary project combining methodology from fields of engineering, physics, biology, and mathematical modeling to uncover the principles of transcriptional regulation by mechanical forces. Virtually nothing is understood about the direct effects of nuclear deformation and changes in chromatin biophysics on transcriptional kinetics in real time. We thus aim to understand how mechanical forces coordinate with transcriptional machinery to organize chromatin and coordinate enhancer-promoter interactions to tune gene expression.
Our Offer
- Temporary employment of two years with the option of a longer-term cooperation according to the Collective Agreement for the public sector (TVöD)
- Salary is in accordance with pay group 13 of the TVöD
- Compatibility of family and career through the possibility to arrange working hours individually and flexibly
- Childcare facility (U3) at the institute
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities in genomics, computational biology, proteomics, microscopy, and more.
- Vibrant, friendly, and collegial working atmosphere
- Access to world class experts in life sciences, cell biology, engineering, and cancer biology
- Opportunities to participate in internal and external trainings
- Attendance in national and international conferences
- Company health management (BGM)
- Job ticket
About the Institute
Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine is a world-class research institute affiliated with the University of Muenster. The institute consists of >150 scientists from over 30 countries who are supported by 120 support staff. The institute is focused on understanding how tissues are formed, both from a mechanistic, biochemical as well as a biomechanical points of view and equipped with state of the art imaging, sequencing, mouse, electron microscopy, proteomics, and other cores. The institute is located in the dynamic and charming city of Muenster, Germany which is a hub of cell biology and life sciences research in Germany. Learn more about our Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine or the Max Planck Society at https://www.mpi-muenster.mpg.de/
Link to PI’s webpage
https://www.uni-muenster.de/CiM-IMPRS/research/projects/Miroshnikova.html