Postdoctoral Scientist (f/m) in Transcription and Epigenetics : Berlin, Germany

The group
In the Max-Planck Research Group "Regulatory Networks in Stem Cells", headed by Dr. Edda Schulz and located at the Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin, we are interested in how mammalian cells employ gene-regulatory networks to switch and maintain transcriptional and epigenetic states. Specifically, we study the initiation of X-chromo-some inactivation and how it is integrated with differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. We invite applications for the following open position:

Postdoctoral Scientist (f/m)in Transcription and Epigenetics

(E 13 TVöD)
Code: 16-01 O

The project
Many mammalian genes are associated with antisense transcription, but its function remains poorly understood. A well-known example is the master regulator of X-chromosome inactivation, the long non-coding RNA Xist, which is regulated by the repressive antisense transcript Tsix. We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to address the following questions:

1. How does antisense transcription alter the chromatin state of the sense gene promoter?
2. How stable is the induced epigenetic state?
3. What is the functional role of antisense transcription?
   To address these questions, the candidate will set up a Crispr-/Cas9-based system to control transcription at the endogenous locus, perform time-resolved ChIP-sequencing experiments and directly manipulate the chromatin state at specific loci. A combination of cutting-edge technologies making use of state-of-the-art facilities in the institute is thus expected to elucidate the mechanisms and the functional importance of antisense transcription.

The candidate
We are looking for highly motivated and creative candidates with a good track record who enjoy working in an interdisciplinary international team. The candidates must have experience in molecular biology, biochemistry or cell biology and hold a PhD degree in the natural or the life sciences. Experience in culturing embryonic stem cells, ChIP-Sequencing or in analyzing NGS data is desired.
The position is available for 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.
The Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encour-ages women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more handicapped individuals and especially encourages them to apply.
To apply, please send your CV, statement of research interests and previous research experience, publication list and names and contact details of 2-3 persons who could provide reference letters as soon as possible but no later than February 29th, 2016