The project:
Populations of mammalian cells often contain a highly variable number of RNA transcripts for any given gene. This variability was originally assumed to be “noise”, but we now know that it arises due to multi-level mechanisms of transcript homeostasis operating in each cell. One important aspect of this is RNA concentration homeostasis, which allows cells to both coordinate transcript abundance with cell size and also to buffer changes in global RNA production and degradation. Our recent genetic perturbation screen uncovered hundreds of novel regulators of cellular RNA production rates and revealed that RNA concentration homeostasis involves feedback on transcriptional activity from nuclear RNA. The project will take hypothesis-driven approaches to dissect the molecular basis of this feedback.
The Quantitative Single-Cell Gene Expression group:
We are a brand-new group (starting October 2021) at Single Molecule Science, the EMBL Australia node at UNSW Sydney, based at the Lowy Cancer Research Centre. We are committed to building a diverse team to answer fundamental research questions and to providing a supportive and challenging training environment for students. Our group makes extensive use of high-throughput microscopy and automated image analysis, which enables detailed measurement of quantitative cellular phenotypes across large cell populations. These approaches are complemented by genomics and mathematical modelling.
Student opportunities and culture:
Our PhD students have access to advanced infrastructure, seminars and state-of-the-art facilities (sequencing, biomedical imaging, flow cytometry), as well as to opportunities to visit and work with collaborators. Students will also have numerous opportunities to travel, present their work internationally, and to develop transferable skills that contribute to their career success, e.g. by attending the EMBL Australia PhD Course, and the EMBL Australia PhD symposium (organized by students for students). The Students of Single Molecule Science (SEAMS) network organizes social activities on a regular basis.
About you:
We are looking for passionate and dedicated PhD candidates who are interested in challenging lab work and computational data analysis. You should have strong attention to detail and be a collaborative team player. Experience in cell biology, genomics, microscopy, image analysis or mathematical modelling is advantageous.
Renumeration:
Successful competitive candidates will be provided a tax-free living stipend of AUD $28,597 per annum (RTP scholarship) and an additional top-up scholarship to the value of AUD $5,000 per annum.
Applications including cover letter, CV and contact details of referees should be emailed to Dr. Scott Berry ([Email Address Removed]) before 3 October 2021. Start dates over the next 12 months negotiable.
More info: berrygroup.github.io, sms.unsw.edu.au
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