Doctoral Researcher in the field of Controlling Gene Transcription by Cyclin-dependent Kinases

Faculty of Medicine, Barborič laboratory, invites applications for a position of

Doctoral Researcher

in the field of Controlling Gene Transcription by Cyclin-dependent Kinases and their Targeting in Cancer for a fixed-term.

The University of Helsinki is a research-oriented university which offers a stimulating and international environment. The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Helsinki, together with Helsinki University Central Hospital, The Helsinki Institute of Life Science, and the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland forms the Academic Medical Center Helsinki. This medical campus ranks among the 10 best medical centers at European level and the 50 best centers in the world. More info on the Faculty or Medicine and AMCH can be found here: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-medicine and https://www.helsinki.fi/en/meilahti-campus

The lab's mission is to unravel fundamental mechanisms that control the elongation phase of transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) in normal and disease states. We are particularly interested in essential and biomedically important transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases (tCDKs) that trigger release of Pol II from promoter-proximal pausing and facilitate productive Pol II elongation along genes. We aim to exploit the knowledge on basic principles of gene regulation to help devise novel treatments of many diseases that stem from misregulated gene transcription programs. More information about the lab, including the latest research and news, can be found here: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/center-for-gene-regulation

We are looking for a creative thinker with strong analytical skills and a passion for science. We expect you to formulate your own hypotheses, propose experimental design to address them, and take advantage of the laboratory/research community's intellectual and skill resources to advance the knowledge of the field. The competitive candidate should hold an MSc degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related fields. Expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology is a pre-requisite for the position. In addition, we appreci-ate fluency in the analysis of NGS data. Strong command in written and spoken English is required.

The appointee must apply, and obtain, the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki within the probationary period of 6 months: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/how-apply-doctoral-education. More info on The Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine and The Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science can be found here: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/doctoral-schools-and-programmes/doctoral-school-in-health-sciences.

The successful candidate will receive training in biochemical, molecular biology and cell line-based functional assays, as well as cutting-edge systems biology methods, such as CRISPRi and nascent transcriptomics methods. The training will be furthered by research visits as part of our collaborations with a network of well-regarded laboratories around the globe. Current projects in the lab funded by the 4-year Research Council of Finland grant, 3-year Sigrid Juselius Foundation grant and Cancer Foundation Finland grant, Sigrid Juselius Foundation revolve around fundamental biology of tCDKs and their combinatorial targeting in cancer.

The salary of the selected candidate will be based on the University's salary scheme for teaching and research personnel composed of task specific and personal performance components. A trial period of six months will be applied.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. International staff is supported in relocating to Finland: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome.

Please submit your application, together with a motivation letter including a summary of your research interests, CV, and two letters of reference, through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the 'Apply now' button.

Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background or minority group.

The closing date for application is September 16th, 2024. The shortlisted candidates will be notified about the interview shortly afterwards.

For further information, please contact Matjaž Barborič, Ph.D.; matjaz.barboric(at)helsinki.fi

Recent publications:

Wang Z et al. (2023) Inhibition of CDK12 elevates cancer cell dependence on P-TEFb by stimulation of RNA polymerase II pause release. Nucleic Acids Res 51(20):10970-10991

Wang Z et al. (2023) P-TEFb promotes cell survival upon p53 activation by suppressing intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Nucleic Acids Res 51(4):1687-1706

Bugai A et al. (2019) P-TEFb activation by RBM7 shapes a pro-survival transcriptional response to genotoxic stress. Molecular Cell 74(2): 254-267