Ran Tong

PhD position in integrative analyses of DNA replication dynamics, nascent transcription and chromatin conformation upon cell commitment at the groups of Drs. María Gómez (CBMSO) (www.cbm.uam.es) and Juan Méndez (CNIO) (www.cnio.es)  at the Excellence Campus of Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.

What is the candidate going to do?

The general objective of the project is characterizing the changes in DNA replication dynamics, 3D-nuclear structure, chromatin makeup and transcriptional output in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). We will investigate the role of specific factors enriched at the replisomes of primed and naïve mESCs, as well as their different chromatin organization and changes in nascent transcription. The project will apply multi-genomics studies combined with genetic manipulations and advanced replication factor imaging, through dedicated secondments at the laboratories of Dr. Torres-Padilla (HMGU) and Dr. Matthias Altmeyer (UZH). We aim at generating a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between the DNA replication program, genomic transcription and chromatin conformation during the first cell decisions from totipotency to pluripotency and generate a molecular characterization of key replication factors in that interplay.

What does the candidate have to offer?

• MSc in Molecular Biology and/or Biochemistry and/or Biotechnology
• Strong scientific drive and curiosity
• Eagerness to learn and apply experimental and computational approaches

Computational skills are not a requirement but will be positively evaluated.

About the institution

The CBMSO is a joint Research Institute from the Spanish Council of Scientific Research (CSIC) and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM). It focuses on both basic and applied biomolecular and biomedical sciences and contributes to the multidisciplinary training of hundreds of professionals in fields such as cell biology, virology, neurobiology, molecular biology, immunology or development. The CNIO is a relatively young Institution that is consistently ranked as one of the best Cancer Research Institutes in Europe. A Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence, it hosts more than 400 specialized professionals working on molecular oncology, structural biology, cancer genetics and clinical research. The fundamental discoveries made by the CNIO research groups pave the way for the development of new anticancer drugs and therapies.

Both Institutes host excellent facilities and scientific services, such as Flow Cytometry, Imaging, Genomics and Massive Sequencing, Bioinformatics, Proteomics, Transgenesis and Animal facilities. Also, both Institutes belong to the Campus of Excellence CSIC-UAM, that ensures exposure to research and training activities of the highest quality.

Both Institutes host excellent facilities and scientific services, such as Flow Cytometry, Imaging, Genomics and Massive Sequencing, Bioinformatics, Proteomics, Transgenesis and Animal facilities. Also, both Institutes belong to the Campus of Excellence CSIC-UAM, that ensures exposure to research and training activities of the highest quality.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions, or do you require additional information? Please contact: Dr. María Gómez (mgomez@cbm.csic.es) or Dr. Juan Méndez (jmendez@cnio.es)