A multitude of DNA sequence-dependent and -independent interactions between transcriptional regulators and the genome are required for tissue-specific gene expression and cell identity. Interference or lack of specificity in this process results in defective embryonic development and can give rise to various human diseases, including cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms that mediate precise protein-genome interactions and specific regulation of genes are not fully understood. One particular layer that regulates these processes is chromatin. Chemical modifications of histones and DNA contribute to gene expression control through influencing the recruitment of regulatory factors to specific regions in the genome.

We aim to understand how epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation, influence protein-genome interactions, and how this results in specific gene expression programs.

In this PhD project you will be responsible for:

• combining multiple omics technologies for genome-wide analysis of chromatin-protein interactions;
• manipulation of chromatin and gene expression in stem cells and during their differentiation;
• CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering of embryonic stem cells;
• data integration and computational analysis of genome-wide and/or proteomics data.

You are interested in chromatin biology and/or gene regulation and highly motivated to join our team of dedicated researchers. Next to that we would like you to bring:

• a Master's degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry or a related field;
• ideally – but not necessary – prior experience with genomics or proteomics data generation and analysis;
• proficiency in English, both in writing and speech.

• a fulltime position for four years;
• embedding in a PhD programme in which you will have the opportunity to collaborate with other PhD students and postdocs;
• full-time gross salary starting at €2,541 and increasing to €3,247 (scale P Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities);
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions laid down in the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. For example, there are agreements on professional development, leave arrangements and sports. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment via the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we like to encourage you to continue to grow.

For more information, please visit working at the Faculty of Science. 

Utrecht University is a friendly and ambitious university at the heart of an ancient city. We love to welcome new scientists to our city – a thriving cultural hub that is consistently rated as one of the world’s happiest cities. We are renowned for our innovative interdisciplinary research and our emphasis on inspirational research and excellent education. We are equally well-known for our familiar atmosphere and the can-do attitude of our people. This fundamental connection attracts researchers, professors and PhD candidates from all over the globe, making both the university and the Faculty of Science a vibrant international and wonderfully diverse community.

At the Faculty of Science, there are six departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects. Find out more about the Faculty of Science.

The Department of Biology consists of twelve research divisions, which are organized within two institutes: the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB) and the Institute of Environmental Biology (IEB). The Department of Biology coordinates the teaching of the Bachelor’s programme in Biology, as well as the Master’s programmes and PhD courses that are offered through the Graduate School of Life Sciences. Each Institute promotes the maintenance of a high-quality and interactive research environment.

The Genome Biology & Epigenetics (GBE) division is embedded within the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity - an inspiring and highly interactive scientific environment covering various disciplines ranging from developmental biology, cell biology, neurobiology, biophysics, bioinformatics and computational biology. GBE is chaired by Tuncay Baubec and aims to answer fundamental questions of molecular biology such as: “How are genes switched on and off” and “What defines the identity of a cell?”. Towards this, we combine various experimental strategies, including genome and epigenome engineering, genome-wide studies, proteomics, single-cell measurements and computational modelling. Click here for more information about research in the Baubec Lab.