Job Description

My lab works on how a specialized chromatin state called heterochromatin is established, maintained and remodeled dynamically during adaptation. My lab takes a curiosity driven approach to doing science. We are highly interdisciplinary and approach problems from multiple perspectives. As a testament to this, my lab consists of researchers interested in biochemistry, biophysics and genetics and we often combine our different interests and skills to solve problems. We are collaborative, highly supportive of each other with an emphasis on open science. Since we are in a University with undergraduate students, we work with learners at various levels of expertise which provides unique opportunities for mentoring and learning. The model organism that we use in the lab is mostly fission yeast ( S.pombe).  We have recently published papers in journal such as Nature Communications, Cell Reports, Developmental Cell and Nucleic Acids Research. My lab is currently supported by an award from the American Cancer Society, a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation, an NIH R35 award and a Wellcome Trust grant from the UK. 

We are looking for researchers with shared values, a strong interest and background in genetics, molecular biology and/or biochemistry, a strong publication track record in journals that are relevant to our science (pre-prints are also accepted), and who shares our excitement for working on hard problems. The lab is working on many projects that we haven't published and so if you are broadly excited about science and have the right expertise, you will likely find something that excites you. Expertise in sequencing and analysis of sequencing data sets is a plus and would be favored. Working with fungal models is not a necessity but expertise in molecular biology and genetics in any model will be important. 

Here’s the revised job ad with your details fully integrated, structured to emphasize your lab’s values, interdisciplinary approach, and research focus:

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Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Epigenetics at Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts

Lab: Ragunathan lab 

Location: Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA

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About the Lab:

We are a curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary team passionate about understanding how heterochromatin—a specialized chromatin state critical for genome stability—is established, maintained, and dynamically remodeled during adaptation. Our lab combines genetics, biochemistry, and biophysics to address fundamental questions such as:

- How do cells balance transient molecular interactions to enforce stable epigenetic memory?

- How is heterochromatin reprogrammed during stress?

- Can we reverse engineer synthetic epigenetic states?

Using fission yeast ( S. pombe ) as a primary model, we integrate diverse perspectives (single-molecule imaging, genetics screens, biochemistry, genetics and genomics) to uncover conserved principles of chromatin biology. Recent work, published in Nature Communications, Cell Reports, Developmental Cell, and Nucleic Acids Research, highlights our commitment to open and collaborative science. Learn more about the work we have done at:

We Value:

Interdisciplinary approaches : Our team includes biochemists, geneticists, and biophysicists who tackle problems from multiple angles.

Collaboration and mentorship : We foster a supportive environment where lab members mentor undergraduates, graduate students, and each other.

Hard problems: If you’re excited by unanswered questions in the chromatin biology or epigenetics space, we would love to have you!

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The Role:

We seek a curious, postdoc who is willing to engage in rigorous science and shares our enthusiasm for chromatin biology. You’ll lead projects on heterochromatin dynamics, with flexibility to explore:

- Mechanisms of epigenetic memory using genetic screens.

- Biochemistry of chromatin associated factors

- Single molecule imaging of chromatin associated proteins

- The potential to work on new and emerging fungal models. 

What We Provide: 

- Mentorship: One-on-one guidance to develop your scientific independence and grant-writing skills.

- Funding: Funding from the American Cancer Society, NSF CAREER Award, and NIH R35

- Collaborative culture: Work with scientists across different disciplinary backgrounds 

- Competitive salary: to be decided based on NIH recommendations with benefits as specified in 

- Support to attend conferences, workshops, and skill-building.

What You’ll Do:

- Design and execute experiments (e.g., genetic screens, live-cell imaging, biochemical assays).

- Analyze sequencing data (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq) 

- Mentor students and contribute to collaborative lab projects.

- Publish high-impact work and present findings at international meetings.

What You Bring:

- Ph.D. in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field 

- Expertise in genetics or molecular biology(any model system; experience in yeast is not required). 

- Strong publication record (or preprints) in relevant fields.

- Passion for curiosity-driven science and teamwork.

Bonus Skills (Not Required):

- Experience with sequencing data analysis (e.g., Python/R, bioinformatics pipelines).

- Background in chromatin biology.

- Interest in mentoring undergraduates.

Application Process:* 

Submit a single PDF to kaushikr at brandeis dot edu with the subject line Postdoc Application: [Your Name]: 

1. CV (include publications, preprints, and technical skills).

2. 1-page cover letter addressing:

- Your most exciting scientific contribution.

- Why our lab’s research focus and science resonates with you.

Deadline: Rolling review until position is filled

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