Postdoctoral Position in Genome Instability & Chromosome Biology | University of South

Institution: University of South Florida (USF)

Department: Department of Molecular Biosciences

Laboratory: Schmidt Laboratory – Chromosome Instability Group

Research Area: Genome Stability | Chromosome Instability | Bloom Syndrome | DNA Replication | DNA Repair | Cancer Biology | Molecular & Cell Biology

The Schmidt Laboratory (Chromosome Instability Group) in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of South Florida (USF) is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join an NIH-funded research program investigating the molecular mechanisms that maintain genome stability.

The research focuses on Bloom syndrome, a rare chromosome instability disorder characterized by exceptionally high cancer susceptibility. The project aims to understand how the BLM helicase and its interacting proteins protect the genome during DNA replication and repair, how loss of BLM causes chromosome instability, and how Bloom syndrome-specific cellular vulnerabilities may be exploited for potential therapeutic approaches.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop an independent research project within this broad research framework.

Investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for chromosome instability and understand how defects in genome maintenance pathways contribute to disease.

Study the function and regulation of the BLM helicase, an important component of genome maintenance, and its interactions with other proteins.

Investigate DNA replication stress, replication fork stability, and mechanisms that protect the genome during DNA replication.

Study mechanisms involved in DNA repair and homologous recombination, particularly in the context of Bloom syndrome.

Explore the roles of R-loops and G-quadruplex structures in genome instability and DNA replication.

Identify Bloom syndrome-specific cellular vulnerabilities and potential therapeutic targets that could provide new approaches to treating genome instability-associated disease.

The selected Postdoctoral Researcher will be expected to:

• Study BLM helicase function, regulation, and interacting proteins.
• Examine DNA replication stress and replication fork stability.
• Investigate DNA repair and homologous recombination pathways.
• Study the role of R-loops and G-quadruplexes in genome maintenance.
• Analyze protein-protein interactions involved in genome stability pathways.
• Work with human cell-based models of Bloom syndrome.
• Develop and pursue an independent research project within the laboratory’s research framework.
• Apply molecular and cell biological approaches to understand chromosome instability.
• Develop expertise in next-generation sequencing, proteomics, and single-molecule approaches.
• Identify potential cellular vulnerabilities and therapeutic targets.
• Contribute to scientific publications and research dissemination.
• Collaborate effectively with other researchers while maintaining independent research activities.

The research program investigates how cells protect their genomes from instability, with a particular focus on Bloom syndrome and the BLM helicase.

Key research areas include:

• Chromosome Instability
• Genome Stability
• DNA Replication
• Replication Fork Stability
• Homologous Recombination
• R-Loops
• G-Quadruplexes
• Genome Maintenance
• Cancer Biology
• Therapeutic Target Identification
• Proteomics
• Single-Molecule Biology

The overall goal is to understand how defects in genome maintenance pathways produce chromosome instability and cancer susceptibility, while identifying potential therapeutic opportunities.

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics,…