AVAILABLE POSITIONS
in the Robert lab
The Robert lab is constantly on the lookout for talented individuals interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of gene expression. Positions for graduate students and postdocs are available.
More specifically, we are currently looking for individuals to lead two new projects in the lab:
1) To develop a method to generate single-molecule footprints of protein-DNA interactions in living cells. This project takes advantage of third-generation sequencing technologies that allow for generating long sequencing reads. Prior experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis and/or computer programming skills is not mandatory but would be an asset.
2) To generate a high-resolution map of protein interactions along the RNA polymerase II CTD in vivo using a site-specific protein crosslinking technique combined with mass spectrometry. This will be achieved by introducing the photo-reactive phenylalanine analog ρ-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine (BPA) in specific regions of the CTD in living cells. This will allow crosslinking to proteins that specifically interact with individual CTD repeats. This can be achieved in yeast cells expressing an engineered aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase and a tRNA that recognizes the amber (UAG) codon. A background in molecular biology and/or biochemistry is mandatory.
3) To investigate the role of liquid-liquid phase separation in the transition between initiation and elongation. We hypothesise that CTD phosphorylation regulates this transition and that pausing can be explained by this phenomenon. This project combines the use of state-of-the-art biochemistry and functional genomic technologies (e.g. NET-seq) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A background in molecular biology and/or biochemistry is mandatory. Knowledge in bioinformatics, computer programming, or statistics are assets but not mandatory.
Send your CV, letter of motivation, and a list of reference to:
François Robert
Director, Chromatin and Gene Expression research unit
IRCM