The role of TET1 protein in shaping the three-dimensional organization of chromatin and maintai

Organisation/Company University of Warsaw Department CeNT Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 6 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 2025/59/D/NZ2/03339 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The spatial organisation of chromatin within the cell nucleus is crucial for the regulation of gene expression, DNA replication, and genome stability. One of the major epigenetic mechanisms influencing 3D genome architecture is DNA methylation, which is regulated, among others, by TET enzymes. Altered TET1 activity has been observed in many cancers, but its consequences remain poorly understood. Our preliminary results indicate that TET1 colocalises with CTCF, is present within chromatin loops, and is enriched at sites of DNA double-strand breaks.

The aim of the project is to investigate the role of TET1 in the spatial organisation of chromatin and genomic instability in healthy and cancer cells. The project will use TET1 knockout, catalytically inactive, and over-expression models.

Key responsibilities include:

• Cell culture.
• Generation of functional mutants using conventional transfection methods and/or CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing.
• Preparation of sequencing libraries, including HiChIP, ChIP-seq, and CUT&RUN.
• Analysis and interpretation of results.
• Preparation of reports and scientific figures.
• Preparation of scientific manuscripts.

Research Field Biological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

MSc degree in biology, biotechnology or related discipline. The MSc degree should be obtained before the date of employment in the project.

• Confirmed status of a PhD student (on the date of starting work in the project at the latest).
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, immunofluorescence, and related methods.
• Experience in Western blotting and/or genome editing will be considered an additional advantage.
• Good practical laboratory skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a research team.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Motivation to learn new experimental and computational methods.
• Ability to analyse and critically interpret scientific data.
• Good scientific communication skills.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

• Cover letter,
• Current curriculum vitae,
• Copy of MSc certificate (or, if the MSc certificate has not been obtained yet, a certificate/document about the date of MSc defense),
• Document confirming the status of PhD Student (to be provided before starting work in the project),
• Signed information on the personal data processing ,
• Contact detail to at least one person who can provide letters of recommendation.

• The opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research team combining molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and data analysis.
• Participation in an innovative project focused on epigenetics and the spatial organisation of the genome.
• The opportunity to work with state-of-the-art genome-mapping technologies.
• Comprehensive scientific supervision and regular methodological support throughout the PhD project.
• Training in advanced experimental and computational methods.
• Opportunities to participate in conferences, training courses, workshops, international research visits, and scientific internships.
• Collaboration with national and international research partners.
• A supportive environment that encourages scientific discussion, skill development, and increasing research independence.
• Opportunities to contribute to high-quality publications and build a strong academic profile.