Positions for Taubert Lab

Position Summary

Research opportunities in the Taubert lab are available for Graduate Students (M.Sc. and Ph.D. candidates) and Undergraduate Students with excellent academic records and training in molecular genetics, molecular biology, and (or) biochemistry. Dr. Taubert is affiliated with the Department of Medical Genetics and the Cell & Developmental Biology Graduate Program at UBC.

We use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and mammalian cell culture to study transcriptional regulatory networks that affect metabolism, stress responses, and developmental processes. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach that integrates genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and microscopy.

Our research focuses on the Mediator, a conserved multi-protein machinery that regulates transcription. In C. elegans, the Mediator subunit MDT-15 affects transcription of genes involved in lipid biology and the responses to nutrition-associated stresses such as fasting response, heavy metals, toxins, and oxidative stress. Worms with mutated or depleted mdt-15 display abnormal fat storage, toxin sensitivity, and a shortened life span. Importantly, the MDT-15 homologues in mammals (MED15) and in yeast (Gal11p) also impinge on lipid biology and stress responses, suggesting functional conservation. Due to its regulatory action, MDT-15/MED15 may be involved in human metabolic conditions (obesity, diabetes).

The following projects are currently available:

• Regulation of C. elegans MDT-15
• Genetic dissection of the C. elegans MDT-15 associated regulatory network
• Structure-function analysis of C. elegans MDT-15
• Characterization of functions and targets of human MED15 in tissue culture

Please visit the Taubert Lab website to learn more about Dr. Taubert's research interests and projects.

Qualifications

We are looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated, independent thinkers with strong interpersonal skills, who share our love for science. Experience with C. elegans is a desired, but not necessary.

How to Apply

All interested applicants are encouraged to send their CVs including references and a statement research interests to taubert@cmp.ucsf.edu and taubert@cmmt.ubc.ca