PhD Position: Deciphering the disorder-mediated interactome of BAF-associated ARID proteins in colorectal cancer
Join an interdisciplinary team at the IMB Mainz to investigate the regulatory functions of intrinsically disordered ARID proteins in cancer.
Best for:Best for ambitious life science graduates with a strong interest in structural proteomics, computational biology, and cancer research.
Overview
The International PhD Programme (IPP) at the Institute of Molecular Biology in Mainz is seeking a talented PhD candidate to join the research group of Katja Luck. This project focuses on the BAF-associated ARID proteins, which are frequently mutated in cancer and contain large intrinsically disordered regions that remain poorly understood. The successful applicant will employ a combination of next-generation sequencing, structural proteomics, and computational structure prediction tools like AlphaFold to map protein interaction interfaces. Working with CRISPR-engineered cell lines, the researcher will validate these interactions and explore their functional relevance in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation, with potential applications in colon organoid models. This position offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative research environment and contribute to the SFB1361 consortium.
What you'll do
- Apply novel NGS and structural proteomics techniques to identify direct interaction partners of ARID proteins.
- Utilize structure prediction tools and in-house software to analyze protein interaction interfaces.
- Develop and utilize CRISPR-engineered cell lines to validate molecular interaction findings.
- Investigate the functional role of ARID subunits in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation.
- Conduct functional characterization experiments, potentially utilizing colon organoid models.
- Collaborate with the Schick lab and other members of the SFB1361 research consortium.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; good command required
Instruction: English
- Strong background in molecular biology or related life sciences
- Experience with experimental techniques in proteomics or genomics
- Ability to work with computational structure prediction tools
- Interactive personality and ability to work in an international team
- Must hold a Master's degree or equivalent by the start date
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15 (Europe/Berlin)
Interested candidates must apply through the official IPP application platform. Ensure you select 'Luck (BAF)' as your preferred research group during the submission process.
- CV
- 2 reference letters
Contact
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