Research Fellow (in Stem Cell Epigenetics)

We are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position, funded by a prestigious Leverhulme Trust Grant. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge project investigating the interplay between epigenetics and metabolism in embryonic stem cells (ESCs).

Metabolic pathways supply essential metabolites for chemical modifications of chromatin, ultimately affecting gene expression. However, there is a fundamental gap in our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms through which cell metabolism affects chromatin modifications in pluripotent stem cells and how these processes are coordinated during early development. We recently discovered that pluripotent stem cells have an unusual metabolism and, unlike adult cells, use specific nutrients to drive their metabolism. We also found that this unusual metabolism is activated by a transcription factor called SPIC, leading to elevated levels of specific histone marks.

Under the supervision of Dr. Yaser Atlasi, the successful candidate will employ state-of-the-art epigenomics approaches to map the genomic distribution of specific histone marks in response to metabolic changes in ESCs. Additionally, the Fellow will explore how these epigenetic modifications are regulated by the transcription factor SPIC in ESCs and during lineage differentiation.

This project is conducted in collaboration with EMBL Italy, providing an exceptional opportunity to study these molecular mechanisms within the context of early development. The collaboration offers the successful candidate access to world-class expertise, resources, and mentorship, fostering a vibrant and supportive research environment.

About the person

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:

• Hold or be about to obtain* a PhD in Molecular biology, Biochemistry, genomics, or a related discipline.

(*PhD to be completed within 3 months of the closing date for the post)

• Experience in maintaining stem cell culture models, with preference for mouse or human ECSs.
• Experience in high-throughput (epi)genomics assays or related technologies.
• Experience in genome editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9.
• Familiarity with tools for analysing genomic data.
• Knowledge in chromatin biology and related technologies.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

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