Postdoctoral Position in the Epigenetics Section of the Mouse Cancer a

The National Cancer Institute, a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is recruiting for a postdoctoral position in the Epigenetics Section of the Mouse Cancer and Genetics Program (MCGP).

Epigenetic modifications comprise histone modifications, histone variants, nucleosome occupancy and DNA methylation and are crucial for organization of the genome into active chromatin (euchromatin) and repressed chromatin (heterochromatin). The functional organization of chromatin is important for
regulation of transcription, cellular differentiation, and genome maintenance.

The current focus of our studies is to understand the molecular mechanisms and biological role of LSH (Lymphoid specific helicase) that my group has discovered. LSH mutation in human cause the ICF4 syndrome a complex disease with immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and several organ
deficiencies.

Our recent work indicates that immunodeficiency upon LSH mutation is caused by a defect in immunoglobulin class switch recombination (He et al., PNAS 2020). LSH induces deposition of macroH2A in the genome (Ni et al., Nat Commun. 2020) and acts a histone variant exchange factor (Ni and Muegge.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2021). We also found that Lsh mediated replication stress and genomic instability is in part mediated via macroH2A (Xu et al., Nat.Commun. 2021). We are currently addressing the question of how LSH molecular function alters chromatin structure and maintains genomic stability and cellular differentiation. These studies should provide insights into a number of basic biologic processes that involve epigenetic modifications such as transcription, DNA repair, replication and recombination. Our group looks for a postdoctoral candidate who has an interest in the relationship between chromatin and its role in human disease. Training in biochemistry, or molecular and cellular biology is advantageous.

Interested candidates must have a Ph.D. with less than five years of relevant postdoctoral experience.
Salary is commensurate with experience and accomplishments.

How to apply: Submit a cover letter describing your research experience and interests, CV, and contact information for 3 references to:

Kathrin Muegge, MD, Epigenetics Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702

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