The genetic information of eukaryotic cells is packaged into chromatin. Key to this process are histone proteins that are subject to various post-translational modifications. Chromatin modifications are essential for genome organisation and are dynamically regulated during development and disease. Understanding the highly dynamic interplay between multiple chromatin marks, transcriptional output and cell fate has been challenging in part due to the lack of high-throughput methods to profile these features simultaneously.
Research in our laboratory aims to address these questions using advanced chromatin profiling methods (scCUT&Tag) and single-cell genomics approaches (scRNA-seq). In this project, you will use CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer cell lines and animal models that allow the modulation of protein activity with high spatio-temporal precision. You will study the effects of the activation or depletion of chromatin-modifying enzymes using combined transcriptomics and histone mark profiling from single cells as well as by live imaging approaches. As part of this exciting project, you will have the opportunity to gain computational data analysis skills. Our laboratory has a proven track record of developing and improving tools to address cutting-edge questions and this studentship comes with the opportunity to explore novel techniques that allow spatial in situ profiling of chromatin marks and applying these methods to questions with biological relevance in chromatin silencing and cancer.
The ideal candidate would have a strong background in molecular biology and/or biochemistry, a keen interest in chromatin research, and would be highly motivated to drive an independent research project. Practical research experience, as well as good familiarity with genomics approaches would be desirable. The successful candidate is expected to work closely with other team members, have excellent communication skills and record keeping habits, organisational and time-management skills, and an inquisitive mind.
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