Stellenticket Technische Universität Dresden

Project Title and Description: Emergent properties of chromatin (in collaboration with the Schiessel group)
During the cell cycle, chromatin undergoes dramatic changes on its material properties that are functionally key. In metaphase, chromatin needs to be stiff to sustain microtubule segregating forces during cell division. As the cell cycle progresses to interphase, chromatin decondenses and becomes loose to enable key processes such as transcription, DNA damage repair, replication, and the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic marks. These properties are actively regulated by molecular processes such as DNA-protein co-condensation and loop extrusion. In this project we aim to understand how emergent properties of chromatin arise from such processes, how are regulated during the cell cycle and how they may play a role in functional processes such as the maintenance of epigenetic marks or transcription. The Schiessel group has used their expertise in computer simulations on small model chromosomes to demonstrate that polymer-assisted condensates are capable of maintaining the epigenetic state through 40 generations, thus reaching the Hayflick limit. The Brugués group uses their expertise in single molecule approaches and cell free extracts to test these ideas by using optical tweezers where a full chromosome and single DNA strands can be held in place and stretched in the cytoplasm from Xenopus egg extracts, a system in which replication can be induced. The successful candidate will address the following questions:
— Can we visualize experimentally condensates forming along stretched chromosomes?
— What happens to the number and sizes of condensates as one increases the tension and how does it depend on the epigenetic sequence written along the string of nucleosomes?
— How do chromatin material properties are established during the cell cycle?

We aim at attracting the best talent and expect the following:
— an outstanding university degree (Master or equivalent) in physics, biophysics, biology, biochemistry or a related discipline
— experience with in vitro reconstitution systems is a plus
— ability to work in an international team is essential
— inter- and multidisciplinary thinking, high motivation; an integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communication and social skills
— fluency in oral and written English

— a stimulating, world leading research environment on biomolecular condensates embedded in a focused, interdisciplinary structured training program and close mentoring
— access to advanced research infrastructure and shared core facilities
— a vibrant and collaborative scientific community in Dresden and internationally

The successful candidate will be embedded in the DFG Research Program RTG3120 on Biomolecular Condensates (https://dresdencondensates.org). Each PhD project is part of an interdisciplinary framework that includes shared training activities, and supervision by an interdisciplinary thesis advisory committee. In addition, the successful candidate will be immersed in a very rich scientific environment at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), part of the Technische Universität Dresden encompassing the B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering (B CUBE), the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), and the Center for Regenerative Therapies (CRTD). The CMCB is closely linked and within walking distance of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), the Medical Theoretical Center (MTZ), the Carl Gustav Carus University Clinic and the Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG). The research on campus is highly interdisciplinary and addresses topics spanning cell biology, genomics, biophysics, tissue engineering, bioinformatics, and regeneration. We combine these approaches to bridge the gap between fundamental research and clinical therapies.
More information about our research group can be found here: https://physics-of-life.tu-dresden.de/team/pol-groups/brugues.

TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research. We therefore expressly encourage women to apply. The University is a certified family-friendly university. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.
Please submit your detailed application by March 20, 2026 (stamped arrival date of the university central mail service or the time stamp on the email server of TUD applies) with the usual documents combined to one PDF (CV, cover letter describing both their research experience and research interests, list of relevant academic achievements or publications, university degree certificates and transcripts and contact information for at least two letters of recommendations) via https://bildungsportal.sachsen.de/umfragen/limesurvey/index.php/945428?lang=en.
Alternatively, you can download and fill in the PDF application (https://dresdencondensates.org/appl/) to send it with the necessary documents via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de as a single PDF file to rtg3120@tu-dresden.de.
The applicant is responsible for requesting the reference or recommendation letter from the referee. Letters should be sent by a referee directly via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single pdf file to rtg3120@tu-dresden.de before the deadline.
In exceptional cases where electronic submission is not possible, applications can be submitted through surface mail to
TU Dresden, Chair of Theory of Polymers at Interfaces, Prof. Jens-Uwe Sommer, Helmholtzstr. 10, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.

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