DNA replication coupled mechanisms that control cell fate transitions

• Funding – (Wellcome Trust) funded 4-year studentship, providing tuition fees, training/research costs and an annual tax free stipend of £32, 080
• Standard Entry dates – January and September
• Applicants are expected to have a degree (equivalent of Honours or Masters) in a relevant discipline

Developmental signalling cues drive major chromatin and transcriptional changes, via the combined action of transcription factors and chromatin effectors. However, it remains unclear how such signalling cues induce the earliest chromatin changes that commit cells to differentiation. We have established a system in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to investigate the mechanisms of cell fate transitions in replicating cells and open this area for exploration. We recently identified a set of proteins that are rapidly recruited in the vicinity of replication forks when iPSCs are exposed to signals that induce differentiation, and that are essential for differentiation. We are using genetics, biochemistry, and microscopy to identify causative factors and understand how these proteins rapidly respond to differentiation signals. The       utilisation of cutting-edge technologies and new approaches will make this possible for the first time. With our previous work, we are in a unique position to explore which factors are essential for this process and how this could be manipulated to guide iPSC differentiation for future cell therapies. 

We are a friendly and motivated international group, currently expanding and looking for a promising postgraduate student. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider what they would like to work on.

The lab performs creative mechanistic research addressing fundamental biological questions with medical relevance and employs a wide range of integrative biology approaches. Applicants with background in human genetics, DNA replication, gene regulation and chromatin biochemistry will be strongly considered.