A postdoctoral position for a Computational Biologist is available at the Center for Genomic Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) in Milan, Italy.
The group studies how co- and post- transcriptional events shape gene expression programs and are aberrantly altered in cancer (https://cgs.iit.it/research/epigenomics-and-transcriptional-regulation). In particular, the group is developing approaches to quantify the kinetic rates governing the life cycle of RNAs (synthesis of novel transcripts, their processing, and the degradation of the mature forms) and of the RNA Polymerase II (recruitment, pause-release, elongation, and detachment from 3’ ends). The study of RNA and RNAPII dynamics is pursued through a unique interdisciplinary approach that combines experimental and computational methods, including RNA metabolic labelling and epitranscriptome profiling together with their integrated analysis through mathematical modelling. Representative publications: Furlan M Briefings In Bioinf 2020 (IF 8.9), Furlan M Genome Res 2020 (IF 11), de Pretis S Genome Res 2017 (IF 11), de Pretis S Bioinformatics 2015 (IF 5.6).
Starting from robust preliminary data, the selected candidate will contribute developing a novel computational method to quantify the dynamics of RNA, RNAPII and RNA modifications at the single isoform resolution, relying on direct sequencing of native RNA through the Nanopore platform. This method will provide an unprecedented amount of information on co- and post-transcriptional dynamics and how they are impacted by RNA modifications such as m6A. Eventually, we will consider extending this method at the single cell level.
A PhD and a strong quantitative background, such as Physics, Statistics, Mathematics or Engineering, are requested. Knowledge of R, and previous experience in genomics, analysis of Nanopore sequencing data, and/or single cell transcriptomics, would be highly beneficial.
https://iit.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?lang=it&job=2100003X
Deadline: July 15th, 2021
For questions contact: mattia.pelizzola AT iit.it