A post-doctoral and PhD position are available starting from November 2015 in the newly established laboratory of Dr. Daniele Fachinetti, located at the Institut Curie, center of Paris, France. The Fachinetti laboratory is studying the molecular mechanisms that control accurate chromosome distribution and the role that mitotic errors play in human health and disease. Our work integrates mammalian cell culture, biochemistry, cell biology, genome-wide and single molecule approaches to study pathways involved in faithful chromosome distribution in mitosis and how these are linked to genome stability. A major focus of the group is to dissect the molecular mechanisms required for maintenance of centromere function, the pathways that lead to de novo deposition of the centromeric mark and how centromere integrity is preserved.

Highly motivated individuals interested in the fundamental mechanisms of chromosome dynamics are encouraged to apply. The successful applicants for the post-doc position must have, or be in the process of completing, a doctorate in a relevant re¬search area and a strong background in molecular and cellular biology or biochemistry.
Applications should be sent to dfachinetti@ucsd.edu and should include a letter detailing the candidate’s motivation for this position, a full curriculum vitae including a list of publications and the names and addresses of two referees.

The Research Division of the Institut Curie in Paris was created in 1909 and consists of almost 900 people working in 13 Research Units. It is the largest French cancer research center and one of the world’s leading institutions in the fields of cell biology, soft matter physics, developmental biology, genetics and cancer biology. The Institut Curie represents an excellent location to perform multidisciplinary research supported by a strong network of technological platforms.

Relevant publications:

Fachinetti, D., et al, (2015). DNA Sequence-Specific Binding of CENP-B Enhances the Fidelity of Human Centromere Function. Developmental Cell 33, 314–327.

Fachinetti, D., et al, (2013). A two-step mechanism for epigenetic specification of centromere identity and function. Nature Cell Biology 15, 1056-66.

Holland, A.*, Fachinetti, D.*, et al. (2012). Inducible, reversible system for the rapid and complete degradation of proteins in mammalian cells. PNAS 109, E3350-3357.

Nechemia-Arbely*, Fachinetti, D.*, and Cleveland, D.W. (2012). Replicating centromeric chromatin: spatial and temporal control of CENP-A assembly. Experimental Cell Research 318, 1353-1360.

Fachinetti, D., et al (2010). Replication termination at eukaryotic chromosomes is mediated by Top2 and occurs at genomic loci containing pausing elements. Molecular Cell 39, 595-605.