Postdoctoral Position: Epigenetic (Trans)Gene Silencing
An NSF-funded Postdoctoral position is available immediately to study
the molecular mechanisms responsible for epigenetic (trans)gene
silencing. In plants, transgenes are silenced at both transcriptional
and post-transcriptional levels. Similar mechanisms appear to control
the expression of transposable elements and might also be involved in
the developmental regulation of gene expression. The project will
entail functional genomic approaches, such as transposon-mediated
insertional mutagenesis, for the isolation of genes involved in
epigenetic silencing, the molecular characterization of the mutants, and
the identification of interacting proteins by affinity purification/MS
sequencing. Arabidopsis thaliana and the unicellular green alga
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are being used as model systems. We have
recently cloned a novel DEAH-box RNA helicase that is required for
transgene and transposon silencing in Chlamydomonas (Wu-Scharf et al.,
Science 290, in press [2000]). The successful candidate will have
access to state-of-the-art facilities in the George W. Beadle Center for
Genetics Research and acquire experience in chromatin analyses,
proteomics, and functional genomics. A background in molecular genetics
and biochemistry is desirable. Applicants should send a CV, statement
of research experience, and three letters of reference to: Dr.
Heriberto Cerutti, School of Biological Sciences, University of
Nebraska-Lincoln, E211 Beadle Center, P.O. Box 880666, Lincoln, NE
68588-0666; phone (402) 472-0247; fax (402) 472-8722; e-mail
hcerutti1 at unl.edu. Review of applications will begin October 1, 2000,
and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. UNL is committed
to a pluralistic campus community through Affirmative Action and Equal
Opportunity and assures reasonable accommodation under the Americans
With Disabilities Act.
