PhD candidate

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in cell and molecular biology to work in a dynamic and highly collaborative environment. Our lab is interested in understanding molecular pathways that safeguard genome stability and how their deregulation results in cancer development. We are particularly interested in how cells recognize and repair lesions within genomically unstable loci and the signalling pathways involved in the organization of the localized DNA damage response.

The PhD student will work on the ERC-funded program «NUCDDR-Nucleolar Responses to DNA damage: Nucleolus a rising hub of genome instability». The PhD student will undertake a project in the characterization of novel factors in the Nucleolar DNA damage response using super resolution microscopy and mass spectrometry methodologies.

Related publications:

Pefani, D.E, Tognoli, M.L., Pirincci Ercan, D., Gorgoulis, V., and O'Neill, E. (2018). MST2 kinase suppresses rDNA transcription in response to DNA damage by phosphorylating nucleolar histone H2B. The EMBO journal 37.

Pefani DE, Latusek R, Pires I, Grawenda AM, Yee KS, Hamilton G, van der Weyden L, Esashi F, Hammond EM, O'Neill E (2014) RASSF1A-LATS1 signalling stabilizes replication forks by restricting CDK2-mediated phosphorylation of BRCA2. Nature Cell Biology 16: 962-971, 961-968.

Pefani DE, Pankova D, Abraham GA, Grawenda AA, Vlahov N, Scrace S and O’Neill E (2016). TGFβ targets the Hippo pathway scaffold RASSF1A to facilitate YAP/SMAD2 nuclear translocation. Molecular Cell 63: 156-166.

A BSc/MSc in Biomedical Sciences is required.

Previous experience in cell and molecular biology as well as a background in cell signaling and/or the DNA damage response would be an advantage.

More info can be found at https://ddrlab.upatras.gr/

For inquires please contact dpefani@upatras.gr

To apply for the post please send your CV, motivation and names for two referees at dpefani@upatras.gr

Application deadline: 17th May 2021