Genome engineering and centromere diversity

Centromeres are the DNA sequences that are responsible for accurate segregation of eukaryotic chromosomes at cell division. Although centromeres mediate a conserved function they are remarkably diverse in evolution. Centromeres also show diversity at the species level but this is  poorly understood. Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a genetically tractable single-celled model organism with an unrivalled set of tools for post-genome analysis. We have developed world-leading methods for engineering different types of centromeres in S.pombe and have shown that these different types of centromere are functionally distinct. We now want t combine our methods with the genetic tools available in S. pombe to understand these functional differences and to use this knowledge, if possible, to develop new approaches to cancer therapy.

We collaborate with groups in Japan and the United Sates, expert in CRISPR interference and imaging respectively, to pursue these goals.

The project involves core skills in molecular genetics, genome engineering and microbiology as well as opportunities to develop expertise in bio-informatics and mathematical modelling. The candidate for this position will need to be good with their hands, able to think for themselves, be numerate and to have some experience of scripting in R and Python. The laboratory is a small one and the PI works intensively in the laboratory so the candidate will have all the help that she or he needs to make rapid progress and to exploit their ideas and the opportunities provided by the project to the full.