Postdoc - Epigenetic regulation of brain development (f/m/x)
Full time39 hrs/week
Martinsried
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The Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC) founded and funded by Helmholtz Munich stands for the intelligent fusion of biomedical sciences, engineering and digitization. At HPC, top scientific talents from across the globe work together on the development of novel solutions that make a difference in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
You are interested in studying spatial genome architecture and cell fate specification in the developing brain? The project will utilize cutting-edge technologies such as single cell perturbations, massively parallel reporter assays and in utero electroporation in order to address how epigenetic regulation contributes to neuronal cell fate specification in the mouse cortex.
The Bonev lab studies how 3D genome organization and epigenetic modifications regulate cell identity during brain development. Using highly interdisciplinary approaches such as single cell multi-omics, live imaging and computational biology, we aim to understand how chromatin landscape influences cell fate decisions in development and evolution. We are based at Helmholtz Munich and hence part of an excellent network dedicated to epigenetics and neurosciences including the MPI for Neurobiology, the LMU and TU Munich as well as broad international collaborations.
The challenge
Our research is highly interdisciplinary and combines developmental neurobiology, single cell –omics, mouse genetics, CRISPR-based techniques and computational biology. Our recent work focuses on three major areas: understanding the dynamics of epigenetic regulation in the cortex; integrating single-cell multiomics data to identify key enhancers and transcription factors associated with brain development and understanding the functional importance of genome topology in primate evolution (Bonev et al., Cell 2017; Aboelnour et al., Dev Cell 2021; Noack et al., Nat Neurosci 2022).
The goal of this exiting project is to uncover the epigenetic mechanisms behind lineage specification in the developing human brain.
Your tasks
- PhD in the life sciences or related disciplines
- develop massively parallel enhancer reporter assay in brain and retina organoids
- apply high-throughput perturbation screens to identify enhancer function in brain development
- develop and apply machine learning models to integrate single-cell multiomics data and design cell-type specific enhancer
- independently plan, conduct and describe scientific experiments in the area of epigenetics and neurodevelopment
- research scientific literature and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- organise scientific results and present them internally and at scientific meeting
Benefits
- Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
- Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
- International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
- Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
Since 2005, we hold the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for exemplary action in the sense of an equal-opportunity organizational culture.
Helmholtz Munich is actively committed to diversity and inclusion in practice and is sustainably committed to equality.
The Diversity Charter has set itself the goal of promoting diversity in the world of work. By signing the charter, we commit ourselves to create an appreciative working environment for all employees.
If you fulfil all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position has an (initial) fixed term of 2 years but may be extended under certain circumstances.
We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.
If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.
Interested in applying?
- CV
- Cover letter
- Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
- Contact details for at least two referees
