This PhD project offers a unique opportunity for a motivated student to explore fundamental questions in molecular biophysics. By employing single-molecule techniques, primarily magnetic tweezers, this research will focus on uncovering the mechanisms of DNA transcription at the molecular level. Transcription is fundamental process which drives gene expression and its deep understanding is key in health and disease. Growing number of evidence demonstrates that DNA topology affects RNA synthesis; however, the absence of biophysical measurements constrains the comprehensive understanding of these observations.
Duties of the position
During transcription, the RNA polymerase enzyme must unwind the helical, double-stranded DNA leading to topological changes and generating torsional stress. These stresses pose significant challenges for the transcription machinery. How eukaryotic polymerase manages the torsional stress induced by DNA supercoiling remains an open question, largely due to the experimental challenges in capturing the dynamic nature of this phenomenon.
The aim of the project is to unravel these mechanisms using magnetic tweezers, which allow precise and controlled observations and manipulation of individual molecules. This approach will allow the direct measurement of how supercoiled DNA affects the ability of polymerase to continue the synthesis of RNA. Single-molecule studies offer an unprecedented level of control, allowing the researcher to measure the DNA dynamics at the nanoscale in real-time. The results of this project will provide new insights into the interplay between DNA topology and transcription in the context of gene expression.
The project is highly multidisciplinary, integrating aspects of biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, and computational analysis. The role includes preparing DNA substrates for biochemical and single-molecule experiments, as well as purifying protein components. The research will involve single-molecule measurements, quantitative data analysis, computational modeling, and scripting, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding the investigated problem.
Required selection criteria
Holding a degree of Master of Science [Magister], Master of Engineering [Magister Inżynier], medical doctor or equivalent in the field of: exact sciences, natural sciences, medical sciences or related disciplines, granted by a Polish or foreign university; a person who does not possess the qualifications described above may take part in the competition, but must obtain the qualifications in question and provide the relevant documents before the start of the programme at the Doctoral School (i.e., 1st March 2025) Education at the Doctoral School begins on 1st March 2025.
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in biochemistry or molecular biology, as the role involves the preparation and characterization of biomolecules. A solid understanding of quantitative data analysis is desirable, and familiarity with programming (e.g., Python) will be a strong advantage.
- Languages: ENGLISH
- Level: Good
Benefits
- Scholarship amount (net, monthly, PLN): 1st year: 4000; 2nd year: 4000; 3rd year: 4 739,51; 4th year: 4 739,51;
- Possibility of renting a room in the Institute’s hotel for the first 3 months at a special price (depending on rooms’ availability);
- Possibility to join a medical plan;
- Basic dental treatment;
- Research mini-grants for doctoral students (up to PLN 20000, a PhD student may apply for funds twice during his/her studies);
- Conference Grants (each PhD student can use up to PLN 12,000 to attend conferences during his/her studies);
- Surcharge for the multi sport card;
- Support in obtaining a temporary residence card (+ Reimbursement of TRC application expenses);
- Language courses (Polish, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian… (the offer of courses may change);
- Psychological care (up to 5 visits);
- Subsidy for the purchase of eyeglasses (once every two years);
- Free parking spot.
Organisation/Company – Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences
Research Field – Biological sciences
Researcher Profile – First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country – Poland
Application Deadline – 31 Dec 2024 – 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw)
More information: Euraxess.
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