Transcription–replication conflicts (TRCs) are a major source of DNA replication stress and DNA damage. Growing evidence suggests that TRCs contribute to genome instability in many cancers, creating selective pressure for tumor cells to adapt and tolerate these conflicts. Despite this, their therapeutic potential remains largely unexplored. TRCAT will investigate the molecular vulnerabilities created by TRCs and evaluate whether targeting these conflicts and their associated genetic dependencies can open new therapeutic opportunities for cancer.
The project
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute across the following lines of work:
- Identify genetic interactions driving genome instability at transcription-replication conflicts.
- Perform combinatorial functional CRISPR screenings.
- Conduct drug assays targeting TRC-associated dependencies.
- Evaluate therapeutic potential through preclinical assays (scratch/wound-healing assays, spheroids, and related models).
About the group
We are a multidisciplinary group dedicated to understanding and therapeutically exploiting genome instability in cancer, with a particular focus on transcription-addicted tumors such as Ewing sarcoma. Our work integrates wet-lab molecular biology in vitro studies with human cell lines, in vivo Drosophila models, and computational genomics to dissect how oncogenic transcriptional programs generate genome instability and how this vulnerability can be turned into a therapeutic opportunity.
Candidate profile
- PhD in Genetics, Biomedicine, Molecular/Cell Biology, or a related field
- Strong wet-lab experience in genome stability research, including DNA damage, DNA replication stress, and/or genome instability assays
- Strong background in the molecular biology and pathogenesis of Ewing sarcoma
- Experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular/cellular biology techniques (e.g., immunofluorescence, Western blot, qPCR, ChIP,...)
- Experience with CRISPR screens and/or functional genomics
- Experience with genome-wide assays and analysis, including NGS and bioinformatics
- Certificate in animal experimentation (A+B+C)
- Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot, and develop research projects
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and integrate complex experimental and genomic datasets
- Strong publication record, including at least two first-author publications
- Excellent scientific communication and writing skills
- Fluency in English
Where to apply
http://www.ub.edu/caiac/solBeca?idConvocatoria=50616
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications:
- Strong wet-lab experience in genome stability research, including DNA damage, DNA replication stress, and/or genome instability assays
- Experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular/cellular biology techniques (e.g., immunofluorescence, Western blot, qPCR, ChIP,...)
- Experience with CRISPR screens and/or functional genomics
- Experience with genome-wide assays and analysis, including NGS and bioinformatics
- Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot, and develop research projects
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and integrate complex experimental and genomic datasets
- Strong publication record, including at least two first-author publications
- Excellent scientific communication and writing skills
- Fluency in English
Specific Requirements:
- PhD in Genetics, Biomedicine, Molecular/Cell Biology, or a related field
- Strong background in the molecular biology and pathogenesis of Ewing sarcoma
- Certificate in animal experimentation (A+B+C)
Languages: English
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
- A full-time work contract (37.5 hrs/week).
- A multidisciplinary, collaborative research environment with a strong publication record and active national/international collaborations
- Access to leading core facilities (imaging, genomics, proteomics)
- Training and career development support, including support for national/international fellowship applications
- An international lab based in Barcelona
Gross Salary: 28.920 €
Eligibility criteria
A specific committee will evaluate the applications using the following criteria:
- Suitability of the CV for the job (maximum 20)
- PhD in the specific research field (maximum 20)
- Motivation letter (maximum 20)
- Experience in the research field (maximum 20). E.g.: >3 years (15 points), <3 years (5 points)
- Other criteria based on specific merits (maximum 20)
Selection process
The specific committee will agree upon an award proposal and draw up a prioritized shortlist of candidates who have achieved a minimum of 50 points or declare the call for applications null and void if none of the applicants reach the minimum score.
The award proposal will be published in the UB's electronic office and must include the total scores of the candidates that have received a total of at least 50 points.
Application Process
According to the specific requirements and selection criteria, the candidates are expected to provide at least the following documents:
- Full CV
- Motivation letter
Additional comments
The candidate proposed for hiring must accept the job offer within 3 working days from the date of notification of the selection.
Be aware that the starting date sets in this offer is an estimate date. The official starting date will depend on the time necessary for administration to prepare the labour contract and present the necessary documents for the selected candidate to be hired.
Priority will be given to people with disabilities (Law 89/2015 of June 2, reserve of quota 2% in favour of people with disabilities in companies of 50 or more people).
Details of Postdoc position
https://seu.ub.edu/ofertaPublicaCategoriaPublic/listPublicacionsAmbCategoria?categoria.id=981151
Website for additional job details: http://www.ub.edu/caiac/solBeca?idConvocatoria=50616
