In addition to DNA sequence, chemical modifications of histones and DNA provide an important regulatory layer for gene expression control. In this context, individual and combinatorial modifications guide spatiotemporal recruitment of regulatory factors to specific regions in the genome through attraction or repulsion. Despite many efforts, the underlying principles that determine how chromatin marks influence protein-genome interactions remain unclear and require further investigation. We aim to cover this gap by a) dissecting how interactions between transcriptional regulators and the genome are specified, and b) how these interactions impact chromatin and transcription during biological processes.

As a postdoctoral fellow, you will be responsible for: 

• combining a set of omics technologies for genome-wide analysis of chromatin-protein interactions (single-cell genomics, proteomics);
• design of synthetic regulators for targeted manipulation of chromatin and gene expression in stem cells and neurons;
• high-throughput screens and MPRA assays to study chromatin and gene control;
• data integration and computational analysis of genome-wide and/or proteomics data;
• in addition, as part of postdoctoral mentoring, there will be optional possibilities for co-supervision of BSc, MSc and PhD students, and involvement in peer review and grant writing.

We are looking for a dedicated scientist with a background in chromatin biology and/or gene regulation. You are able to work independently but also enjoy collaborating in a team. Next to that we would like you to bring:

• a PhD, or you are on the way to obtain your PhD, and have first or co-author publications/preprints in the respective field;
• experience in genomics or proteomics data analysis workflows;
• proficiency in English, both in writing and speech.

We offer:

• a funded position for two years, with the possibility of an extension;
• a full-time gross salary, depending on previous qualifications and work experience, that ranges between €2,960 and €4,670 per month (scale 10 Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO));
• 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.