PhD Position in Gene Regulatory Evolution

Diversity in complex organisms arises through differences in development. Evolutionary novelties like the enlarged human brain are often due to changes in the expression of developmental genes. But these changes can be subtle and large numbers of genes and their regulatory elements are involved, making this process difficult to understand. Research in the lab of Dr Severin Uebbing uses functional genomics to study how changes in gene regulation have generated species-specific biology.

Your job
Become part of a multidisciplinary research team studying multiple aspects of gene regulation in development and evolution. The aim of your PhD project is to study the effects of gene regulatory elements involved in evolutionary change using high-throughput functional genomics combined with genome editing. Objects of the project include:

• generating cell models to study gene regulation in neurodevelopment;
• massively parallel characterisation of regulatory element activity;
• development of tools to assay gene regulatory effects by genome editing.

We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague who aligns with the following criteria:

• a Master's degree in Biology or a related discipline – if you did not complete your MSc yet, please indicate in your application letter when you are likely to graduate;
• demonstrable experience in basic molecular biology;
• skills in genomics, computational biology/bioinformatics, and cell culture techniques are an asset;
• proficiency in academic English, both spoken and written.

We offer:

• a position for four years;
• a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

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You will work in the group of Dr Severin Uebbing in the Genome Biology and Epigenetics (GBE) division of the department of Biology. GBE forms a multidisciplinary and interconnected team of researchers interested in studying various aspects of gene regulation. We work closely together with the other groups in GBE, led by Professor Tuncay Baubec (chromatin readers & writers), Dr Hanneke Vlaming (transcriptional pausing and elongation), and Dr Vivek Bhardwaj (single-cell multi-omics). Become part of the team!

For more information, please contact Severin Uebbing at s.uebbing@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the 'apply now' button! Please enclose:

• your motivation letter;
• your curriculum vitae;
• the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references (do not submit reference letters!);
• a copy of your MSc certificate, or a letter from your university stating when your defence will take place.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.

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