Research assistant in Chromatin biology Full-time NEW

Research Assistant In Chromatin Biology

Come and join us at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm. In the research group led by Laura Baranello, we are particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms defining the crosstalk between transcription, DNA topology and chromatin folding, with the aim to design improved strategies for anti-cancer treatment.

We are a young and dynamic research team with a well-established collaborative network. Our lab is located at Biomedicum, a top modern research building with a large repertoire of researchers and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities.

Your Mission

Drawing from our expertise in the fields of topoisomerase and cancer biology, we aim to answer fundamental questions about how transcription, replication and DNA topology are functionally coordinated in human cells. We use state-of-the-art approaches to assess transcriptomic, epigenomic and replisomic profiles, as well as molecular biology, advanced microscopy and drug screens to understand how topoisomerase regulation affects fundamental nuclear processes (key lab references: Baranello et al. Cell 2016; Wiegard et al. Molecular Cell 2021; Das et al. Molecular Cell 2022; Cameron et al. Science Advances 2023). The overall aim is to reveal novel cancer therapy targets and improved strategies for personalized treatment.

Recently we have identified a protein complex called “topoisome” in which the oncoprotein MYC recruits and increases the catalytic activities of both Topoisomerase 1 and 2 to promote high rates of transcription (Das et al. Molecular Cell 2022). The successful candidate will play a leading role in a research project, focused to address the functional role of the topoisome during transcription. Specifically we want to study the coordination of the topoisome and the transcriptional machinery. The outcome of this work is predicted to inspire a new strategy to target MYC in cancer, which will be tested in MYC-driven cancer models.

This multidisciplinary project involves microscopy, biochemistry and molecular biology. The research assistant will plan and execute experiments, analyze data, interpret, and present the results, initially under supervision but with greater independence going forward.

Your Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, driven, enthusiastic person interested in our area of research, and ready to explore new avenues in science. The candidate should have a strong collaborative approach to research, be a team player as capable of working independently and contribute to a good social environment in the laboratory.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Biomedicine or similar
• Expertise in transcription regulation and DNA topology
• Expertise in molecular biology
• Expertise in microscopy
• Interest in solving intricate scientific questions and willingness to help PhD/master students.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (in English written and verbal). Emphasis will be also placed on personal suitability, fitting well into the current research group.

What Do We Offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Our lab is eager to provide the candidate with an opportunity to develop and/or apply state-of-the-art methodologies to solve timely biological key questions

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several good benefits through our collective agreement. And you get to practice freely in our modern wellness facilities, where trained staff are on site.

Location: Solna