IIT invites excellent candidates to apply to its PhD program organized in collaboration with the Open University; this international PhD program confers Doctorates in Health, Sustainable and Human Technologies.
In order to be admitted into the ARC program, the minimum requirements are
i. a Masters-level degree, which broadly corresponds to a 4/5-year undergraduate MSc/MChem/Meng-style degree or to a postgraduate Masters in the British system, or to a second level University degree in Italy;
ii. a grade corresponding to an upper second class (2.1) or a merit in the UK system or 100/110 in the Italian system. Candidates with lower grades but redeeming features (publications, specific expertise) are requested to contact the potential supervisors before applying;
iii. where English is not the applicant’s first language, a valid IELTS (International English Language Testing System) certificate. The minimum acceptable score is an overall 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any of the four categories
One PhD fellow position will be available from October 1st 2022 in the Integrative Nuclear Architecture Research Line, led by its Principal Investigator, Irene Farabella.
Title of the project: Investigation the role of non-coding RNAs and 3D genome structural plasticity in neuronal development
Background: The spatial arrangement of chromatin in interphase nuclei is non-random and plays a fundamental role in genome function and stability, with implications for gene regulation, genome stability, and disease. Recent advance in spatial genomics techniques(Bintu et al. 2018, Nir, Farabella et al. 2018, Szabo et al. 2018, Finn et al. 2019, Su et al. 2020, Takei et al. 2020) , such as sequential OligoSTORM(Nir, Farabella et al. 2018), unveiled that the chromatin folding arrangement vary substantially from cell to cell at different genomic scales(Nir, Farabella et al. 2018), even among cells of a functionally homogeneous population.
We aim to investigate which role the 3D genome structural plasticity
has in the context of genome function and how it’s related to cell identity during neuronal development. Specifically, we want to investigate whereas lncRNAs, potentially involved in compartment segregation(Farabella et al. 2021), have a role 3D genome structural plasticity.
Description: We are looking for a motivated PhD student with an enthusiasm to study the interplay of 3D genome organisation and non-coding RNAs at the single cell level. Our research use hybrid method (computational and experimental) integrating imaging techniques, as seq-OligoSTORM(Nir, Farabella et al. 2018), genomic data, structural bioinformatics, and physical theories to investigate the single-cell genome structure at nanoscale. During neuronal development, both transcriptome and 3D genome are extensively transformed(Bonev et al. 2017, Tan et al. 2021), and these changes characterise the cell specific identity(Tan et al. 2021). Dysregulation in these processes leads to varied neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability and schizophrenia(Bonev et al. 2017). Our final goal , in collaboration with the Gustincich Lab (IIT), is to understand how the genome folds in 3D during development. Particularly, we aim at investigating the chromatin folding variation patterns that can define cell identity and whereas lncRNAs, have a role in defying these patterns. The candidate will interact and collaborate closely with other researchers in the Farabella Lab as well as with members of the other research groups within the CHT.
References:
Bonev et al., Cell (2017) 171(3): 557-572.e524.
Farabella et al., Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (2021) 28: 945–954.
Finn et al., Cell (2019) 176(6): 1502-1515 e1510.
Nir, G., I. Farabella, C. Perez Estrada, C. G. Ebeling, et al., PLoS Genet (2018) 14(12): e1007872.
Su et al., Cell (2020) 182(6): 1641-1659.e1626.
Szabo et al., Sci Adv (2018) 4(2): eaar8082.
Takei et al., Nature (2020) 590(7845): 344–350.
Tan et al., Cell (2021) 184(3): 741-758.e717.
Main Supervisor: Irene Farabella (Integrative Nuclear Architecture)
Essential expertise:
i. Molecular biology/physics background.
ii. Experience in cell culture.
iii. Familiarity with imaging technologies.
iv. Basic programming skills
Desirable expertise:
v. Previous research experience in SMLM imaging and analysis.
vi. Previous experience in basic biochemistry and molecular biology techniques handling RNA, DNA and proteins.
vii. Previous experience in genomic data.
viii. Proficiency in python
How to apply. Prospective students must submit using the online form the following documents
1) 2-page CV, which includes studies, expertise and achievements.
2) 1-page research statement, which includes the choice of a project from the list above and a justification of the choice. Only if robustly justified, the student may signal their interest also for a second project, but there is no guarantee that this will be taken into account by the selection panel.
3) A transcript of undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
4) A valid IELTS certificate, obtained no more than two years before the proposed registration date.
5) Contact details of two referees.
For this position, ARC accepts candidatures on an ongoing basis (first-come, first-served).
Printable version: HERE
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, with its headquarters in Genoa, Italy, is a non-profit institution with the primary goal of creating and disseminating scientific knowledge and strengthening Italy’s technological competitiveness. IIT’s research endeavour focuses on high-tech and innovation, representing the forefront of technology with possible application from medicine to industry, computer science, robotics, life sciences and nanobiotechnologies.
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks diversity in the workforce.
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Primary Location
GENOVA
Job
PhD Fellow
Organization
Integrative Nuclear Architecture
Job Posting
Jun 20, 2022, 7:24:55 PM