Education: Postdoctoral and Visiting Scientists

Host regulation of retrotransposons in yeast

Our lab studies the dynamic interaction between retrotransposons and eukaryotic host cells and explores the consequences of retrotransposon activity to the genome. An NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available to study the regulation of Ty1, a retrovirus-like transposable element in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We recently found that Ty1 virus-like particles are associated with mRNA processing bodies, and that components of mRNA degradation pathways are required for retrotransposition. The postdoctoral fellow will use a combination of approaches, including fluorescent microscopy, biochemical fractionation, RNA mapping and yeast genetics to understand the role of mRNA degradation enzymes in modulating Ty1 activity.

The work is performed at the Wadsworth Center, the research and public health laboratory of New York State. The Wadsworth also houses a graduate program of the State University of New York. Superb core facilities and active research programs in genomics, molecular biology, structural biology, bioinformatics, neurobiology and infectious diseases provide a highly stimulating scientific environment. Albany is culturally diverse and affordable. We have a consortium of academic institutions in the area, and close access to cultural and recreational facilities and major metropolitan areas (New York, Boston and Montreal).

Experience in microscopy, nucleic acid and/or protein biochemistry desirable. Competitive, federally-funded salary. Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae and have three letters of reference sent to:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer