Postdoctoral Position: RNA/Protein Biochemistry & Molecular Biology to Study Genetic Compensation

Stainier Lab
Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
Department of Developmental Genetics

Description and Details:

A highly motivated postdoctoral candidate is invited to lead new projects to address fundamental questions in Genetic Compensation and Transcriptional Adaptation.

We have recently discovered a new form of genetic compensation that we have termed transcriptional adaptation.  Briefly, transcriptional adaptation occurs when a premature termination codon leads to mutant mRNA degradation.  The degradation fragments in turn modulate the expression of related genes, and consequently varying degrees of phenotypic rescue in some cases.  We have observed this phenomenon in zebrafish, mouse, C. elegans, and more recently humans.

This is a novel and quickly developing field of research where many open questions remain to be addressed including 1) the nature and trafficking of the degradation fragments, and 2) the regulation of related genes by the degradation fragments, or their derivatives.  For more detailed information please see our recent publications: (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1064-z; https://www.nature.com/articles/nature14580; https://elifesciences.org/articles/50014)

Required Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, genetics or a similar subject with a focus on molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and/or genetics.  Knowledge of RNA and/or protein biochemistry and molecular biology is a plus. 

How to Apply:

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Didier Stainier (didier.stainier@mpi-bn.mpg.de).

To apply, please submit the names and contact information for 2-3 references, a CV, and a short statement (2 pages max.) of your research experience and interests to didier.stainier@mpi-bn.mpg.de

About the Employer:

The Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim is an interdisciplinary research institution with international flair.  Our researchers have the opportunity to work on various model systems by making use of the latest cutting-edge technologies.  Researchers are supported by state-of-the-art core facilities which offer services in next generation sequencing, proteomics, bioinformatics, cytometry, microscopy, and small animal imaging.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality; we welcome applications from all backgrounds.  Furthermore, the Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.