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. One particular layer that regulates these processes are modifications of histones and DNA. Such epigenetic modifications 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 programmes.

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;
• a full-time gross salary starting at €2,541 in the first year and increasing to €3,247 (scale P 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.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

You can watch the Utrecht University Campus Tour to get an impression of our university.

At the Faculty of Science, there are 6 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 us by watching Working at 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.

You will join the the Genome Biology & Epigenetics (GBE) division which 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.