Job Openings in the Koziol Laboratory at CIBR, Beijing: DNA & RNA Modifications in the Brain

ABOUT CIBR

The Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) is a recently established institute in Beijing. CIBR is a vibrant, interdisciplinary research institute that combines basic and applied research to advance the knowledge of the brain, ultimately helping to improve human health. Research areas cover neurobiology, molecular biology, developmental biology, computational science, biotechnology and clinical studies. Together, CIBR will creatively tackle fundamental questions in biological science, brain function and animal behavior. In addition to fundamental science, CIBR strives to transform discoveries into products and clinical solutions. CIBR works in collaboration with the prestigious Chinese Academies, with China’s top Tsinghua and Peking Universities, with Beijing Normal University, and is supported by the Beijing Municipal Government. CIBR is located within Beijing’s Life Science Park, which hosts other top institutions, hospitals, national and international biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The Life Science Park is currently expanding to become the world’s largest Life Science Center. Ultimately, CIBR’s expertise, collaborative, innovative, ambitious, supportive environment make CIBR a top institution with exceptional potential. ABOUT KOZIOL LABORATORY

Our goal is to make fundamental discoveries about the ‘building blocks of life’, namely DNA and RNA, to better understand complex brain functions. The Koziol Laboratory is part of CIBR, with the focus on discovering and studying novel DNA and RNA modifications and to investigate their role in the healthy and diseased brain. As a proof of principle, we have first discovered a novel DNA modification in vertebrate genomes, called methylated deoxyadenosine (Koziol et al., 2015). This finding opened entirely novel avenues for investigation and pioneered an exciting new area of biology. Therefore, in addition to studying this novel DNA modification that is now known to be important for brain function, the Koziol Laboratory is studying and aiming to discover novel DNA and RNA modifications and investigate their role in the brain. Where possible, we explore how our discoveries can be exploited to improve human health. The Koziol Laboratory combines molecular biology, bioinformatics, mass spectrometry and biochemistry to discover and study DNA and RNA modifications. We use human and mouse tissue culture as an in vitro model, as well as human and mice tissues, and mice as an in vivo model. We are an interactive, friendly, collaborative, international and dynamic research group that nurtures independent thinking and welcomes trying novel, often unconventional ideas. We speak English in the laboratory. We often collaborate with other scientists, not only locally, but have strong international links, in particular with scientists from the University of Cambridge, UK, and in the US. Overall, our laboratory offers many opportunities for personal and professional development.

JOB OPENINGS: • Lab Manager/Research Assistant • Post-Doctoral Scientists • PhD/Rotation/Summer Students

THE VACANCIES

Various positions are currently available in the Laboratory of Dr. Magdalena J Koziol. We are looking for enthusiastic scientists who are excited about unraveling a new area of research. Since the Koziol laboratory is an English-speaking laboratory, all laboratory members have to be able to communicate in English. Although we accept applications all-year round, we are currently actively recruiting to fill the following positions:

Lab Manager/Research Assistant We are seeking an energetic and well-organized Lab Manager/Research Assistant in the Koziol Laboratory. A background in biology or related discipline as well as solid skills in basic molecular biology techniques are required. Prior experience with mass spectrometry, neurobiology, tissue culture, mice or dissection is advantageous, but not essential. This position integrates both administrative and laboratory responsibilities and covers two parts. (1) The person will work very closely with Dr. Magdalena J Koziol in setting up, developing and overseeing all laboratory operations, including ordering lab-related items, maintaining lab stock and databases, introduction of new employees and organizing meetings. (2) The person will assist with basic molecular biology techniques and will be in charge of maintenance and operation of lab equipment such as a mass spectrometer, for which training will be provided.

The Lab Manager/Research Assistant will be paid RMB 150k-200k per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition, generous insurance and welfare benefits will be provided for all CIBR employees. Starting date not later than 1st June 2019.

PhD/Rotation/Summer Students We are recruiting highly motivated, ambitious PhD/Rotation/Summer Students who are excited about science, keen on learning and to discover and study a new exciting area of research: DNA and RNA modifications in the brain. To investigate these DNA and RNA modifications, we offer various exciting projects in the lab that cover areas such as Neurobiology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology/Biochemistry. All students should have a basic understanding of molecular biology or genetics. All students should apply by contacting the Student Affair Assistant Ms Zheng and Dr. Magdalena J Koziol. All students will be compensated following the CIBR student salary scale. Insurance and welfare benefits will be provided through their University. Earliest starting date is 1st June 2019.

(1) PhD/Rotation Students: CIBR has a joint PhD program with Peking and Tsinghua University through which graduate students can join for Rotations and their PhD. If you are already a PhD student, but are not part of the joint PhD program, you can also apply.

(2) Summer Students: CIBR offers a Summer Training Program from July to August for qualified undergraduate students from all Universities, through which you could join.

DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATIONS

All applicants should email the application documents directly to Dr. Magdalena J Koziol, mjk@cibr.ac.cn. The application should contain the following:

• Cover Letter – please indicate which position you are applying for • CV - including contact details of at least 2 referees

For questions contact Dr. Magdalena J Koziol, CIBR Human Resources, hr@cibr.ac.cn. For student related questions please contact the Student Affair Assistant Ms Zheng, zhenguing@cibr.ac.cn. Review of applications is ongoing and will continue until positions are filled.

Chinese Institute of Brain Research, CIBR

Koziol Laboratory – Brain DNA & RNA Modifications

9 Life Park Road, ZGC Life Science Park, Changping District Beijing 102206, China Website: www.cibr.ac.cn

Email: mjk@cibr.ac.cn

Post-Doctoral Scientists

We are currently recruiting highly motivated and qualified Post-Doctoral Scientists who are excited about science and keen to discover and tackle a new area of research: Novel DNA and RNA modifications in the brain. Critical thinking, troubleshooting skills, developing own ideas, keen on learning, ability to work independently and collaboratively are essential. Post-Doctoral Scientists must hold a PhD degree.

We are keen to recruit multiple Post-Doctoral Scientists in the following areas:

(1) Molecular Biology/Biochemistry: The project focuses on investigating the molecular function of novel DNA/RNA modifications and their interacting proteins in neuronal cells. The candidate should possess a solid background in molecular biology/biochemistry.

(2) Bioinformatics: The project involves the use of computational methods to identify and study DNA and RNA modifications such as methylated deoxyadenosines within human and mouse genomes. The candidate should have demonstrable experience in data analysis from the Illumina sequencing platform. Experience with ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq data would be an advantage, along with an interest in PacBio/SMRT-Seq/MinION data analysis. Knowledge of R for statistical analysis and Python for scripting is an advantage.

(3) Mass Spectrometry: This project involves the systematic identification and characterization of DNA and RNA modifications within human/mouse brains by mass spectrometry. The project is focused on the detection of individual modified nucleotides and modified DNA and RNA oligos. The candidate should be well organized, thorough and be interested in mass spectrometry. Experience with liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry or chemistry is an advantage, but is not a prerequisite.

(4) Neurobiology/Mouse Models: The goal of this project is to investigate the function of novel DNA/RNA modifications and their interacting proteins in mouse brains. Prior experience with mice or in the field of neurobiology is an advantage.

In addition to the above expertise and projects, we of course always welcome applications with their own project ideas and collaborations.

The Post-Doctoral Scientist will be paid RMB 280k-350k per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition, generous insurance and welfare benefits will be provided for all CIBR employees. Earliest starting date is 1st June 2019.