We are always interested in applications from enthusiastic students and postdocs with an interest in molecular and computational biology to join our interdisciplinary, dynamic and diverse group. Please apply via e-mail with a motivation letter, CV and the contact details of references to r.grand@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de.

Fully funded PhD position: "Mechanisms of gene regulation in mammalian Chromatin"

Where: Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), University Heidelberg

Each cell in our body needs to control the expression of tissue-specific genes as well as a core set of essential genes. Despite their ubiquitous requirement, these common essential genes (CEGs) need to be precisely controlled, with misregulation associated with disease. To ensure robust expression, it has been commonly thought that CEGs are redundantly and cooperatively regulated by transcription factors (TFs). However, our work has demonstrated that they can be dominantly controlled by individual master TFs that organize chromatin and activate genes.
In the Grand Lab, we dissect the regulatory principles that control the expression of CEGs in different cell types, and explore the implications of misregulation in development and disease. Particularly, we are interested in how TFs and cofactors generate specificity in gene regulation in the context of mammalian chromatin. We use mouse and human cells as models and combine state-of-the-art genome engineering, rapid perturbation methods, and synthetic biology with multi-omics profiling, quantitative readouts, and computational biology to define the rules that govern CEG expression.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in genetics/ molecular biology/ computational biology/ biochemistry for a fully funded (initially for 3 years) position. The precise direction of the project will be defined together with the successful candidate. Successful applicants will join an international team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working at the forefront of biomedical research. The selected PhD student will be part of the Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS) (http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/)

This PhD position is funded in the first instance for 3 years with a starting date based on mutual agreement. The remuneration is based on TV-L E13.

Research environment: Heidelberg University is one of the leading life science universities in Europe, with access to world-leading facilities and proximity to institutes such as the DKFZ and EMBL, providing a vibrant and collaborative environment.

Deadline for application: October 31st, 2025

Starting Date: Beginning 2026

The application must include: 1) Cover letter 2) Curriculum vitae with reference contacts 3) List of publications (if applicable)

Please send applications to R. Grand  r.grand@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de.

Relevant recent publications:
1. Grand, R.S.#, M. Pregnolato#, et al. 2024. Genome access is transcription factors specific and defined by nucleosome position. Molecular Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.08.009.
2. Isbel, L., et al. 2022. Generating specificity in genome regulation through transcription factor sensitivity to chromatin. Nature Reviews Genetics.DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00512-6.
3. Grand, R.S.#, L. Burger#, et al. 2021. BANP opens chromatin and activates CpG-island-regulated gene. Nature. .DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03689-8.