Postdoc in Computational Neuroepigenomics Research

IMB (www.imb.de) is a research institute on the campus of the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany.  It is generously funded by the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Our research focuses on the biology of the cell nucleus and ranges from the molecular level to systems and computational approaches. Researchers at IMB are supported by strong core facilities that offer state-of-the-art services in bioinformatics, cytometry, genomics, microscopy, proteomics, and protein production.

Human brain development is spatially and temporally tightly controlled, with sequential and precise orchestration of cellular and molecular programs. Any perturbation in these molecular programs can lead to detrimental effects. For example, mutations in genes encoding epigenetic regulators, especially the BAF chromatin remodeling complexes, are frequently causative for neurodevelopmental disorders. These manifest in brain abnormalities, intellectual disabilities, and other physical aberrations. We still hardly understand the molecular mechanisms during human brain development mediated by these regulators and how their mutations manifest into the disease phenotypes. 
BAF chromatin remodeler complexes are large multi-subunit complexes that can slide or eject nucleosomes and thereby regulate chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Recently, we have shown that the maintenance of chromatin accessibility requires constant BAF complex activity and that perturbation of their function during brain development can result in severe molecular, cellular and phenotypic alterations.

As part of the chromatin regulation group, you will work on a project addressing the cellular and molecular role of BAF chromatin remodelling complexes in human brain development and related diseases. For this project, the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) into brain organoids in combination with genetic and pharmacological perturbations is used as a model system in combination with advanced cell and molecular biology techniques, including bulk and single-cell genomics, proteomics, and microscopy. The project will include the analysis of the datasets, data integration and statistical analyses. Additionally, you will use machine learning and artificial intelligence to make additional predictions from data by training available machine learning algorithms or deep learning models. The project is funded by the European Union (ERC Starting Grant).

We offer a stimulating, diverse and international research environment, with a pleasant working atmosphere and the opportunity to perform state-of-the-art experiments and analyses. The institute is modern, well-equipped and centrally located with good public transport links and parking.

To apply, please upload your application containing your cover letter, CV, certificates and contact information of at least two professional references. Should you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact us by email [email protected], quoting Ref. No. #SSPD02. Informal enquires should be addressed to Dr. Sandra Schick-Nickolaus. IMB is an equal opportunity employer.