PhD Position: Condensates in Transcription Regulation (m/f/d)

The research group of Sandra Schick offers the following PhD project:
Transcription is the first step in gene expression, governing cell identity, differentiation and response to environmental signals. Understanding the mechanisms behind the regulation of gene expression is essential because it is crucial for survival, and incorrect transcriptional regulation can have detrimental consequences ranging from reduced fitness to developmental defects and disease. Proper control of transcription requires a multitude of regulatory elements and proteins to act in a concerted fashion to organize the molecular machinery. Current models have proposed the role of dynamic assemblies, so-called transcription condensates (TCs), which constitute liquid-like environments that concentrate the necessary factors for efficient transcription at specific genomic locations. Our previous work showed that these condensates are heterogeneous and suggest a model wherein these transcriptional regulators form different condensates that are functionally specialized for distinct transcriptional stages. However, how they form, influence each other and transition into different stages remains unclear.

PhD project: The Role of Condensates in Priming Chromatin for Transcription Initiation

In this project, we will study the initial steps of transcription regulation and dissect the contribution of individual factors - such as co-activators, transcription factors, chromatin, chromatin modifiers, RNA polymerase II - for condensation, condensate properties and function. We will further study how they influence each other and how different types of condensates emerge. For this, we will use established reporter lines in combination with diverse microscopy approaches from live cell confocal to super resolution microscopy. We will additionally apply CRISPR technologies, genomics and proteomics approaches. Our cellular approaches will be complemented by in vitro experiments (Wittmann lab, IMB) and modelling (Speck lab, University of Stuttgart). This project is embedded within the collaborative research consortium SFB1551 (https://crc1551.com/, pending funding decision in November 2026).

If you are interested this position of this project, please select Schick (Cond) as your group preference in the IPP application platform.

Are you an ambitious scientist looking to push the boundaries of research while interacting with colleagues from multiple disciplines and cultures? Then joining the IPP is your opportunity to give your scientific career a flying start!
All you need is:

• Master or equivalent
• Interactive personality & good command of English
• 2 letters of reference

• Exciting, interdisciplinary projects in a lively international environment, with English as our working language
• Advanced training in scientific techniques and professional skills
• Access to our state-of-the-art Core Facilities and their technical expertise
• Fully funded positions with financing until the completion of your thesis
• A lively community ofmore than 200 PhD students from 44 different countries

For more details on the projects offered and how to apply via the online form using the apply button.

The deadline for applications is 15 October 2026. Interviews will take place at IMB in Mainz on 18+19 January 2027.
Starting date: 1 February - 31 July 2027