2 PhD positions on the topic of Epigenetic regulation of centromere identity

Chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis is one of the most fundamental mechanisms in a cell. The centromere is a highly specialized chromatin region on every chromosome that facilitates chromosome segregation. The center of our newly established research group will be the centromere-specific histone H3 variant Cenp-A/CID. We will focus on epigenetic aspects of centromere function using Drosophila melanogaster and cultured cells as model systems. Molecular, genetic, cytological, and biochemical approaches will be utilized to increase our understanding of how centromeric regions are identified and regulated. A genome-wide screen has identified factors that link epigenetic regulators and cell cycle regulators to centromere function. The goal of these positions is to characterize the centromeric function of these proteins, identify interacting partners, and their role in chromosome segregation. Some of these identified genes are known oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and chromosomes segregation defects are a hallmark of cancer. Additional genetic and biochemical screens will be performed to identify the link between epigenetic regulation at the centromere, chromosome segregation, and aneuploidy during tumorigenesis.

Our group is funded by the Cluster of Excellence "CellNetworks" (http://www.cellnetworks.uni-hd.de) The salary will be based on the respective public labor contract (TV-L E13/2).

Please send your application including your references to my office.