Title: Chromatin roles of SUMO in cell identity
Key words: Epigenetics, Cancer, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Clustering, Functional analyses, High-dimensional data, Omics
A computational biologist position is available in the Dejean laboratory at the Institut Pasteur in Paris to study the role of sumoylation in the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms governing cellular identity in normal and disease cells.
Cellular identity relies on proper regulation of gene expression, as specified by complex regulatory networks of transcription factors and chromatin configurations, yet the mechanisms by which cell fate transitions are normally constrained, or corrupted in disease, remain poorly understood. Identifying barriers to cellular plasticity is thus of key interest to dissect lineage choice mechanisms during development and has important clinical implications. While the contribution of DNA methylation and histone modifications during cell fate change has been extensively studied, the role of post-translational modifications of proteins by other proteins in this process is still enigmatic. Our lab has shown that, among these, sumoylation is a key chromatin-associated mark that plays a crucial role in the safeguard of cellular identity. The project aims to define the role of sumoylation in chromatin biology and plasticity and to analyze the possible impact of dysregulating this pathway in cancer.
The appointment will be financed for up to 4 years. The candidate will perform and integrate biostatistical analyses, clustering and bioinformatics analyses of “omics” data (RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, DNA microarrays, methylome, proteomics and single cell analysis) obtained from a large series of cell culture and mouse models. Experience in functional analysis of omics data, including a range of softwares (ingenuity pathways, GSEA…) and ability to work on cluster (Unix), as well as knowledge in programming and scripting in R or equivalent will be required. The candidate, who will closely interact with wet-lab biologists in the lab, should also have the ability to conceive new analysis and presentation tools. Autonomy and team spirit, organizational skills, ability to provide didactic presentation of scientific results are also required.
We will consider both candidates on the postdoc level with strong bioinformatics experience and engineers with a masters degree in bioinformatics with a relevant experience. The position is open immediately and candidates will be considered until it is filled. More information at: https://research.pasteur.fr/en/team/nuclear-organization-and-oncogenesis/
Applications in the form of a CV with a brief statement of research experience, technical expertise and interests, as well as contact details of at least 2 references should be sent to anne.dejean@pasteur.fr