Epigenetic regulation can be defined as the ability of the genome to remodel itself to facilitate (or hinder) the access of transcription factors and gene expression machinery to their targets. It has long been recognised as a key player in development, as a means to silence/activate large sections of the genome in a timely fashion. More recently, epigenetic regulation has emerged as a similarly important factor in diseases such as cancer, where dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms leads to loss of cell identity and abnormal behaviour. Loss of integrity of epigenetic landscape is also involved in cellular senescence and ageing. Despite its importance and the wealth of data that has accumulated in recent years, many of the mechanisms that are involved in genome remodelling and induced by epigenetic regulation, remain poorly understood.

The aim of this project is to formulate mechanistic, mathematical models that describe how large-scale patterns of epigenetic marks form, and how the resulting patterns affect genome structure and remodelling within the nucleus. We are particularly interested in how exogeneous factors (such as the accumulation of DNA damage) interfere with such landscapes: what are the mechanisms involved in large-scale transitions; and what is their effect in genome reorganisation? This project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Metabolism and Cancer group, ICO-IDIBGI, Girona, and with Prof. Helen Byrne, University of Oxford.

We seek a candidate to fill this postdoc position within the HENOCANDYN project (ref PID2021-127896OB-I00). Candidates should have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline with a strong mathematical background. An interest in multidisciplinary research is essential, as is expertise in applied dynamical systems, stochastic processes, and/or statistical mechanics, including numerics and simulation.

The successful candidate will join a thriving research group within the Centre de Recerca Matematica (CRM), with a wide range of research interests and projects within Mathematical Biology. The group has an extensive network of experimental and theoretical collaborators in Barcelona and further afield. CRM, which was recently awarded the “Maria de Maeztu” label of excellence, also offers a wide range of training opportunities for early career researchers.

Applications from female candidates are particularly encouraged.
Please contact Tomas Alarcon (talarcon@crm.cat) for any queries regarding this position.

Links:
https://www.icrea.cat/Web/ScientificStaff/tomas-alarcon-210760
https://sites.google.com/site/tomasalarc/
https://idibgi.org/en/grups/metabolisme-i-cancer/
https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/people/helen.byrne
https://www.crm.cat/person/37/sardanyes-cayuela-josep/
https://sites.google.com/site/nonlineardynamicsevolutionlab/home