PhD position on the Regulation of RNA Polymerase II Transcriptional Elongation in the group of Prof Klaus Grasser at the Biochemistry Center, University of Regensburg in the Department of Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Regensburg, Germany.
What are you going to do?
RNA polymerase II transcriptional elongation at changing conditions
You will work on a project addressing the role of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcriptional elongation on plant responses to environmental conditions and seed priming with emphasis on seed dormancy/germination and seedling establishment. Focus will be on so-called transcript elongation factors (TEFs) that comprise histone chaperones, modulators of histone modifications and regulators of RNAPII activity. Currently it is unknown to which extent the association of TEFs with elongating RNAPII is affected by altered ambient conditions, possibly resulting in distinct versions of the active RNAPII elongation complex. This may result in modified genomic distribution of RNAPII/TEFs and changed chromatin accessibility, ultimately entailing adjusted gene transcription patterns.
Your aim will be to study the composition of RNAPII elongation complexes, TEF-dependent genomic distribution of RNAPII, chromatin accessibility and transcriptional output under the above-mentioned conditions. The majority of experiments will be performed using the Arabidopsis model, but some assays will be also implemented in oilseed rape. In the course of the project, you will employ a variety of approaches including affinity-purification of protein complexes in combination with mass spectrometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high throughput sequencing, micrococcal nuclease digestion assays as well as transcript profiling. Moreover, molecular and phenotypic analyses of wildtype and mutant plants will represent a central part of your work.
As an integral part of the project you will actively collaborate with partners at other institutions such as CSIC-CNB (Madrid, Spain), DSV (Lippstadt, Germany) and CSIC-IBMCP (Valencia, Spain).
What do you have to offer?
- MSc in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or any related subject
- Knowledge in molecular biology and/or biochemistry
- Background in genetics and/or gene expression
Experience in bioinformatics and data analysis is beneficial.
Our offer
The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a period of three years (potentially prolongable). The appointment will be according to the employment rules of the University of Regensburg and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). A Personal Career Development Plan will be drafted that includes the attendance to EpiSeedLink courses and meetings.
The gross monthly salary will be according to the MSCA programme, considering the country-specific correction coefficient. Besides the salary, the PhD student will obtain a mobility allowance (see page Requirements and Conditions). The position is aimed at being full-time, but by exception, if needed for family reasons, a part-time appointment is possible.
About us
University of Regensburg
More than 20,000 students are enrolled at the University of Regensburg, which is a modern university campus comprising 12 faculties. The city of Regensburg is located in Bavaria in the south-east of Germany approximately 100 km from Munich in an attractive environment. Our lab belongs to the Department of Cell Biology & Plant Biochemistry as well as to the Regensburg Center for Biochemistry. Here, a stimulating atmosphere for research is offered as well as advanced facilities for protein analyses, imaging and systems biology. You will become member of the Regensburg International Graduate School of Life Sciences (RIGeL) offering a well-structured PhD program and additional benefits.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions, or do you require additional information? Please contact: Klaus Grasser; klaus.grasser@ur.de.