Using the tools of genetics and genomics, nearly 6,000 GSA members from more than 50 countries around the world investigate a wide variety of biological questions and applications.
An NSF-funded postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Vikki Weake at Purdue University to study the function of a novel histone acetyltransferase complex in development in Drosophila melanogaster. The lab uses functional genomic and genetic approaches to study chromatin and transcription in the context of development and aging using the fruit fly as a model system. Information about the lab, current personnel, and projects is available at: https://ag.purdue.edu/biochem/weake. We have identified a novel Gcn5-containing histone acetyltransferase complex that contains the fly ortholog of Dbf4, Chiffon: Chiffon Histone Acetyltransferase (CHAT). Dbf4 is the regulatory subunit for Cdc7, forming the Dbf4-Dependent Kinase (DDK) that initiates DNA replication in organisms from yeast to humans. In contrast to Cdc7, which is essential for DNA replication and viability in flies, the Cdc7-binding activity of Chiffon is not required for development. Instead, the chiffon gene encodes a second, independent polypeptide that nucleates CHAT formation, and it is this activity that is essential for development and viability in flies. This project seeks to identify the mechanisms that control cell type-specific expression of two activities of Chiffon that lead to production of the DDK or CHAT complexes.
Dr. Weake is committed to increasing STEM participation and diversity, and to fostering a collegial and positive research environment, facilitating the success of all lab members. Purdue provides resources and additional training opportunities for postdocs (https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/postdoctoral-studies/index.php), and the Department of Biochemistry provides a vibrant community for researchers. Dr. Weake is also a member of the Purdue Center for Cancer Research and the Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, providing additional opportunities for postdocs to network and collaborate. Postdocs will have access to world-class research facilities including the Bindley Bioscience Center and the Rosen Center for Advanced Computing Community Cluster Program.
If you are interested in joining the lab, please respond to this posting with a brief statement of research interests, CV, and the names and contact information for three references. Evaluation of applicants will begin June 25th 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.
The applicant should have completed a Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, biological sciences, or a related life science field, or expect to graduate with a Ph.D. before starting the position. Research activities for a postdoc on this project may include (but are not limited to): molecular biology, generation of transgenic Drosophila, insect cell culture,immunostaining and confocal microscopy, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, bioinformatics. Prior experience and skills in bioinformatics, developmental biology, and Drosophila genetics would be helpful for the project, but are not essential. Researchers with a background in Drosophila developmental biology and/or embryogenesis may be particularly suitable for this project.
About Purdue University
Vikki Weake Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry
Purdue University
175 S. University Street, West Lafayette IN 47907
765 496 1730
vweake@purdue.edu
https://ag.purdue.edu/biochem/weake
