Open positions for Ph.D and Postdoc in Mobilome Lab
Porject: Targeted DNA transposon mining and efficient-safe gene delivery tool development.
As a non-viral gene delivery technology, DNA transposons have been extensively studied and reported internationally. Various DNA transposons (such as SB, piggyBac, and TcBuster) have been successfully identified and modified as efficient gene delivery vectors for human gene therapy and biotechnology research. DNA transposons utilize a simple “cut and paste” mechanism, which makes gene delivery relatively straightforward, and the integration and expression of transgenes more stable. In addition, in recent years, with the breakthrough of microplasmid technology (also known as Nano-plasmid, minicircle-plasmid, Tini-plasmid), the cell transfection efficiency of DNA transposons has approached that of viral vector technology, with significantly reduced cytotoxicity. Compared to viral vectors, DNA transposons as gene therapy delivery vectors have advantages such as large cargo capacity, stable integration, ease of manipulation, low production cost, low immunogenicity and cytotoxicity, and minimal interference from the immune system. However, due to random integration in the genome, gene therapy technologies based on DNA transposon delivery systems still pose some potential risks, such as gene mutations caused by random integration, activation of oncogenes, or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, which may lead to tumor formation. These risks are the major challenges and safety concerns for using DNA transposons as gene delivery vectors in gene therapy. Therefore, the development of site-specific gene delivery technology based on the targeted DNA transposons are particularly urgent.
The development of DNA transposon-mediated targeted delivery technology holds the promise of a safe and efficient targeted non-viral delivery system, greatly reducing the risks associated with random integration in gene therapy and significantly improving the safety of DNA transposon-mediated gene therapy, thus accelerating the progress of immune cellular therapy for human cancer in clinical research. Furthermore, the widespread application of DNA transposon-mediated targeted delivery technology can significantly reduce the cost of immune cellular therapy for cancer, making the currently expensive CAR-T treatment available for ordinary patients and benefiting the field of human health. In addition, the establishment of DNA transposon-mediated targeted delivery technology aims to achieve efficient site-specific integration of large gene fragments into the cell genome, breaking through key bottlenecks that restrict numerous gene therapy and genome modification applications, and unleashing its enormous potential in applications such as biotech breeding and gene therapy.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate to join the Lab of Transposon (Yangzhou, Jiangsu,China), to join in the project: Targeted DNA transposon mining and efficient-safe gene delivery tool development. The mainly used models include human cells, yeast , zebrafish, mice, and pig.
Research topics:
(1). Evolution of retrotransposons and DNA transposons (distribution, exaptation/domestication, and horizontal transfer of retrotransposons and DNA transposons, and their impact on the evolution of gene and genome);
(2). Development of efficient and safe gene transfer tool medaited with transposons and their application in transgenesis and gene therapy.
(3). Transposon-derived miniature targeted nucleases mining and gene editing tools developing
Our team is located in the Mobilome Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University (Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, middle east of China), a premier scientific institution in the China, which offers state-of-the-art core facilities and platforms in a highly dynamic, multi-cultural and inclusive environment.
Requirements
- Good Master/PhD track record Strong background in biology, genetics, developmental biology, cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, and biophysics, familiarity with bioinformatics analysis and mammalian cell culture is preferred.
- Good level in spoken and written English
Offer
Starting date: anytime
Funding: 24 month-contract for Postdoc. The salary will follow the Yangzhou University guidelines for postdoctoral fellowships (link Postdoc in YZU). The candidate will be expected to also apply for independent funding; assistance and mentoring will be provided throughout the application process.
Funding: 48 month-contract for Ph.D. The candidate will be expected to also apply for CSC (CSC Scholarships | China Scholarship Council | Chinese Government Scholarships (chinesescholarshipcouncil.com)) or funding from Jiangsu (Jasmine Jiangsu Government Scholarship ) or YZU; assistance and mentoring will be provided throughout the application process.
The candidate will be strongly supported for career development and will benefit from technical and soft skill courses provided by the Yangzhou University. Opportunities for mentoring students will be given.
Application details
Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Please send to cysong@yzu.edu.cn
- curriculum vitae, including list of publications (preprints included) and communications
- cover letter outlining past research experience, motivation to join our group and career goals
- names/contact information of two references