Luijsterburg lab
Transcription and DNA repair
Open positions
Postdoc: Transcription-coupled DNA repair
Are you fascinated by how DNA damage is repaired and do you have excellent skills in molecular biology and cell biology? We are looking for a postdoc to unravel molecular mechanisms in transcription-coupled DNA repair in human cells.
The presence of DNA damage is a major complication during gene transcription. It is essential that cells overcome this arrest and restore transcription after repair to maintain gene expression. The transcription-coupled DNA repair (TCR) pathway ensures the efficient removal of transcription-blocking DNA damage from active genes.
Work in the Luijsterburg lab is focused on understanding these mechanisms. Recent studies by us have revealed initial insights into how TCR complexes assemble on stalled RNA polymerase II (Van der Weegen et al. Nat Comms. 2020; Nakazawa et al. Cell. 2020, Van der Heuvel et al. TCB. 2021; Van der Weegen et al. 2021. Nat Cell Biol). The clearing of DNA lesions by TCR is essential but not sufficient for transcription restoration.
Our laboratory has identified a new post-repair pathway that involves the PAF1 complex to stimulate transcription elongation after completion of repair (Van der Heuvel et al. Nat Comms. 2021).
In the current project, funded by an ERC consolidator grant, you will dissect the PAF1 pathway and its associated network of proteins. You will employ a multidisciplinary combination of genetic, molecular, cell biological, and complementary genomics approaches to dissect new mechanisms in transcription restoration.
About you
You hold a PhD in cell or molecular cell biology and you are highly motivated with proven research abilities and an excellent publication record with at least one first-author publication
Experience with research on DNA repair mechanisms is an advantage
Excellent skills in molecular biology and cell biology are essential
Ideally, you have expertise in one or more of the following techniques: human cell culture, CRISPR/CAS9-based genome editing, immunoprecipitation, or genomics
You are organized, accurate, possess excellent communication skills and you are able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a dynamic team
