The project will include partial cloning and sequence assembly of heterochromatic DNA in Tribolium castaneum, an insect of economic importance, aimed to complement the data obtained by the genome sequencing project. Following bioinformatics approach, these sequences will be further experimentally characterized concerning their expression and function. These analyses will include transfer of modern molecular biological methods and techniques such as chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and gene silencing using RNAi, as well as biochemical methods for RNA-protein interaction analysis. Adjustment of the whole-mount in situ hybridization for the T. castaneum system and introduction of cell assay with suitable reporter genes will further contribute to the development of the competence in the field of genomics related to noncoding DNA organization and function.

Applicant for this position should possess at least 4 years postgraduate experience and be motivated for such type of research. Experience in methods related to study of nucleic acids-protein interactions (Western blot, ChIP) are desirable.

Applicant must be resident of European Union.

Fellowship will run for 2 years and start between March and May 2008. Salary: 45 731 EUR/year (gross) plus travel, mobility and career exploratory allowances

Applications including CV, publication list and addresses of two referees should be sent by E-mail to Prof. Durdica Ugarkovic, Ruder Boskovic Institute, Dept. Molecular Biology, Bijenicka 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-mail: ugarkov@irb.hr, by March 20 2008.