Several postdoctoral positions are opened at the Institute Pasteur (Paris, France) and at Princeton University (Princeton, NJ, USA) to visualize the topological and functional dynamics of small regulatory pieces of DNA, called enhancers, in the animal genome. Successful candidates will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary venture between the research groups of biophysicist Thomas Gregor and various collaborators at both institutes.
GOAL:
The dynamic organization of the genome in time and space plays a crucial role in the functional specification of a cell. In particular the interplay between multiple distant enhancers and their target gene promoters has critical mechanistic consequences on gene activity patterns during cell differentiation and development. We are developing state-of-the-art high-resolution live imaging techniques to resolve multiple enhancers in space and time to correlate the 3D motion of the DNA polymer with gene activity. The challenge is to develop the right imaging modalities that optimize our need for high temporal and spatial resolution, and to image a large field of view with multiple (>4) colors simultaneously.
PROFILE:
Candidates will have a strong interest for collaborative and interdisciplinary research. They should have a proven successful track record equipped with one, but ideally a combination of the following skills:
* live-cell microscopy, single molecule imaging
* microscope design and implementation
* hard- and software design for microscope control
* computational image analysis
Ability to work in collaboration with members of the lab and international collaborators in a dynamic, diverse and multinational group is essential. English is the working language.
Inquiries regarding the position and specific projects should be addressed to Thomas Gregor (tg2@princeton.edu<mailto:tg2@princeton.edu> ). Applications should include a statement of research interests and motivation, a CV, and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received. Funding is available for multiple positions but candidates will be encourage to apply for independent competitive grants.