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Postdoctoral Position in Synthetic Genome Biology
We invite qualified candidates to apply for a postdoctoral position in the laboratory for Synthetic Genome Biology, in the Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering Division. The laboratory’s long-term goal is to derive generalizable “design principles” for gene regulation in multicellular organisms. This includes understanding the role of patterns in non-coding DNA, gene structure, and chromosome organization. We are particularly interested in two specific questions: how do cells distinguish “self” from “foreign” and what fraction of a genome’s genes and DNA can be assigned defined functions? To understand gene regulation, we use genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics in the nematode C. elegans. We place a strong emphasis on developing genetic engineering technologies. In particular, we are inspired by the nascent field of synthetic biology and will apply biological engineering principles to a multicellular organism.
Specific Projects
Genome defense. We plan to characterize a novel genomic defense system where germ cells allow expression of genes by embedding a non-coding DNA “watermark” into endogenous genes.
See Froekjaer Jensen et al. (2016) Cell.
Chromatin regulation. We will develop high-throughput techniques to insert natural and synthetic DNA fragments into the genome to understand how chromatin environments shape features, e.g. promoters, of genes.
Genome editing. Using transposons and Cas9/CRISPR, we plan to develop high-throughput genome editing tools. The long-term goal is to enable genome-scale manipulation for arbitrarily complex re-organization and re-coding of the C. elegans genome.
See Froekjaer Jensen et al. (2010, 2012, 2014) Nature Methods
See Froekjaer Jensen et al. (2008) Nature Genetics
We offer
• An ambitious and supportive scientific environment.
• Access to ample laboratory funding and state of the art equipment in the lab and core-labs.
• A highly competitive, tax-free salary (1-year, with possibility of two annual extensions).
• Free housing, medical insurance, and excellent child-care / school facilities.
• Six weeks of annual vacation plus two weeks of Eid holiday.
• The opportunity to live and work in a region undergoing rapid economic and cultural change.
• A very safe, truly global campus on the Red Sea Coast with ample opportunities for local recreation (e.g. diving, golf, 4WD excursions) and easy access to travel in the region.
Requirements
We are looking for an adventurous, accomplished, and independent young scientist with a recent PhD in genetics, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics or equivalent. Applicants should have experience with a genetic model organism (preferable C. elegans), an excellent grasp of standard molecular biology, and experience with fluorescence imaging or next-generation sequencing. Critical thinking and the ability to work independently is required. Importantly, candidates should show a commitment to building an exciting research group that is dynamic and ambitious while also being collegial and supportive.
Contact
For questions about the position and projects, please contact Dr. Froekjaer Jensen (cfjensen@kaust.edu.sa, https://syngenbio.kaust.edu.sa). Please submit your application, with a full CV, research interests, and three references as a single pdf by email with “synthetic genome biology postdoc” in the subject line. We encourage a diversity of applicants and do not discriminate based on race, religion, or gender. Applications are accepted from January 2018 until the position has been filled.
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
KAUST is an international graduate-level, research university founded in 2009 dedicated to advancing scientific and technological education and research. KAUST aims to act as a catalyst for innovation, economic development, and social prosperity in the region and the world. Based near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, KAUST has attracted people from all around the world, with more than 80 nations represented on campus, who want to create an impact beyond their own achievements. Located on the beautiful Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, KAUST sets exceptional standards in residences, recreational facilities and boasts a truly multicultural community environment which can be enjoyed by all, along with ample opportunities and time to keep work and life in harmony.
For more information about living and working at KAUST, please refer to the University’s website: Live and work | King Abdullah University