Postdoctoral Position in Phase Separation and Chromatin Organization : Montreal, Canada

A postdoctoral position is available in the Francis lab to study the role of phase separation in chromatin organization by Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins. Phase separation is rapidly emerging as an important principle underlying the organization of macromolecular structures in cells. This includes the large scale organization of chromatin domains that is likely driven by chromatin modifications and chromatin binding proteins. We are using Drosophila PcG proteins as a model system to understand how phase separation may create the unique chromatin state associated with PcG protein mediated transcriptional repression. The project will use a combination of in vitro reconstitution and in vivo imaging based experiments. A background in biochemistry and/or biophysics, and a willingness to learn new methods and approaches is essential. Experience with chromatin is an asset but not required. Publications relevant to this project are:
https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms10291
http://www.pnas.org/content/109/18/E1063
The Francis lab is located in the Systems Biology axis of the IRCM, a research institute affiliated with the University of Montreal. Our lab is also affiliated with McGill University. The IRCM is located in the heart of Montreal, a vibrant city in Quebec, Canada. Montreal was voted the best city in the world for graduate students in 2017 (https://www.topuniversities.com/city-rankings/2017).