Ph.D. Studentship, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Eukaryotic Gene Expression Group, Trinity College Dublin,UK

May 22, 2010

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Project title: ‘ The role of chromatin remodelling in cellular quiescence and apoptosis ‘

Background: In eukaryotic cells, DNA is complexed with protein to form a chromatin polymer. The fundamental subunit of chromatin is the nucleosome, which consists of approximately 147 bp of DNA wrapped around an octamer of four core histones (two each of histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4). This organisation makes most DNA refractory to cellular activities such as transcription, replication, recombination and repair. However, the chromatin fibre is dynamic, and can change conformation to inhibit or enhance accessibility of the underlying DNA when required. This fluidity is achieved through the interplay of chromatin remodelling factors, which include histone chaperones, ATP-dependent nucleosome remodelling complexes and enzymes that post-translationally modify the histones. However, the role of many of these factors remains poorly understood.

Project summary: This exciting project will investigate the role of chromatin remodelling in the establishment and maintenance of quiescence and apoptosis using yeast stationary phase as a model system. When Saccharomyces cerevisiae is starved of glucose the cells enter stationary phase, and form two developmentally distinct populations: a quiescent population of daughter cells, and a nonquiescent population of mother cells that are programmed to undergo cell death. In this project, you will separate these populations and examine the contribution of post-translational histone modifications towards these processes. By exploiting yeast genetics, you will define the pathway of chromatin remodelling involved in the establishment of cellular quiescence and apoptosi s.

For more details read Allan C et al ., 2006 (J. Cell Biol.) and Fleming AB et al ., 2008 (Mol Cell).

The PhD position will provide training in microbiology, molecular biology and genetics. State-of-the art next-generation sequencing-based ChIP-Seq will underpin this study.

The Studentship includes a stipend of €16K per year and EU fees . Suitable applicants should hold or expect to obtain a First Class or Upper Second Class degree in Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry or other equivalent degree. Non EU student fees will not be covered .

Applications including cover letter, CV and contact details of two academic referees should be made directly to Dr Alastair Fleming, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College, Dublin 2 at alastair.fleming@tcd.ie. Informal enquiries Tel: – 01-896-3112, or via e-mail. Closing date Friday June 11 th 2010.

For further information:

Scholarship Tags: College, Dublin, Eukaryotic, Express, Gene, Genetics, Group, microbiology, Ph. D., School, Studentship, Trinity, UK