Molecular control of replication timing in mammalian cells

Interested individuals must follow steps 1, 2 and 3 on this link on how to apply:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/biology/postgraduate/pgr/how-to-apply

If you would like us to consider you for one of our scholarships you must apply by 5.00pm on the 16th January 2015 at the latest.

DNA replication is the fundamental process that allows transmission of the genetic information from mother to daughter cell. It is an extremely delicate phase, one when the genetic information is more at risk of loss or modification. There are therefore multiple levels at which the process is controlled. The least known of these control pathways is the one ensuring the temporal and spatial organization of activation of DNA replication origins. Both the molecular control and the biological significance of the replication-timing pathway are still largely unknown. The aim of my research program is understanding both aspects of this pathway. To this end we employ state-of-the-art genetic manipulation of the mouse as model system, genome-wide analysis of replication timing and the most recent technologies to investigate three-dimensional nuclear organization both by imaging and genome-wide sequencing.

The projects available are aimed at investigating the role of nuclear three-dimensional organization during the establishment of replication timing and the molecular mechanisms that translate nuclear organization into subsequent waves of replication origin activation. The correct execution of DNA replication is key to the maintenance of genome integrity and mistakes in this process are at the base of cell transformation. In addition, replication timing is a defining signature of stem cells and the last to be re-acquired during reprogramming. We are therefore also interested in understanding the role of the replication-timing pathway both during stem cells differentiation, during reprogramming and cell transformation. We seek highly motivated candidates, enthusiastic, eager to work and learn in an international and extremely dynamic environment. The student will be fully supervised and trained with the final goal of reaching intellectual and technical independence. Active participation in directing the research objectives is not only welcome but also required.

My laboratory is currently based at the EMBL Mouse Biology Unit and will move to the University of Edinburgh, School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Cell Biology in 2015. For any further information please contact me directly. http://www.embl.it/research/unit/avner/members/index.php?s_personId=CP-60003943