Experienced Researcher (post-doc) position within REPRO-TRAIN (Marie Curie ITN)

REPRO-TRAIN is a Marie Curie Initial Training Network funded by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme and is composed of 7 strong academic research groups and 2 pharmaceutical companies from 6 different European countries: France, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, UK and Spain. The network started on January 1st 2012 and will end on December 31st 2015.
REPRO-TRAIN is seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic, creative and talented fellows for the development and implementation of a cutting edge research project related to male Reproductive Biology and Andrology.

REPRO-TRAIN offers 1 Experienced Researcher (ER) position in Dr Rafael Oliva group in IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain (www.reprotrain.eu; http://www.ub.edu/humangen/), with funding for 23 months.

Description

Reprotrain, “Reproductive Biology Early Research Training”, aims to provide the key elements to train and update the new generation of researchers with the skills to solve increasingly prevalent problems relating to Male Reproductive Biology and Andrology.


Project Number: 2
Genomics and epigenomics of male infertility and identification of the function of novel genes and proteins

(i) To identify the function and epigenetic potential of the sperm nuclear proteins identified in collaboration with ESR1. (ii) To determine the differential distribution of the proteins in the nucleohistone and nucleoprotamine domains.

Our hypothesis is that many of the sperm nuclear proteins may have an epigenetic function marking up different sperm chromatin domains. The function will be explored through immunolocation experiments together with ESR1, measuring the phenotypic effect of knocking-out /down the corresponding genes in the Drosophila or Mus models in collaboration with R. Renkawitz-Pohl and D. Miller. A short stay of this ER with D. Miller will offer the opportunity to learn from the expertise of this partner in epigenetic characterisation methods. Also it will be interesting to determine the epigenetic potential of the identified proteins through tracking using immunocytochemistry in their initial stages of fertilisation and development in the mouse model. The differential distribution of the proteins in the nucleohistone and nucleoprotamine domains within the sperm nuclei will be developed through a short stay with R. Renkawitz-Pohl. This ER will also be expected to learn teaching skills through partial supervision of ESR1. This ER will also be invited to get involved in the extremely novel Exome Sequencing approach, targeting only 5% of the coding genome, with the Solexa 1G equipment available at the IDIBAPS, in normal sperm cells and in sperm cells from a selected group of infertile patients.

Incorporation tentative: November, 2013

Nr of positions available : 1

Research Fields

Biological sciences - Biology
Medical sciences - Medicine

Career Stage

Experienced researcher or 4-10 yrs (Post-Doc)

Research Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Benefits

REPRO-TRAIN offers:

- Stimulating research projects within a European training program, collaborating with 13 other ESRs and ERs, in 7 European Universities and 2 companies, through secondments, network meetings, training workshops and conferences
- Up to 23 months full-time contract according to the generous conditions of Marie Curie fellowships
- Gender equality: Suitable qualified female candidates are explicitly encouraged to apply
- Parental/maternal leave
- Excellent work environment

Comment/web site for additional job details

Selection criteria and application forms are available on the Reprotrain website

www.reprotrain.eu

For queries about scientific aspects, please contact roliva@ub.edu

---

Requirements

Additional Requirements

- At the time of recruitment, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date. - ER: at the time of recruitment, candidates must be in possession of a doctoral degree or have at least four but less than five years of full-time equivalent research experience. Full-time equivalent research experience is measured from the date when the candidate obtained the degree which would formally entitle him/her to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided. Degree: BSc or Masters (MSc) Degree Field: A good honours (or equivalent) degree in a biological or biomedical discipline. Medical, veterinary or dental graduates with an interest in reproductive research are also eligible to apply. Language: good verbal and written communication skills in English are required.