fungal protein Bdf1, a member of the BET family of chromatin regulators. Bdf1 contains two bromodomains that associate with chromatin by recognizing acetylated lysine residues in histones. We previously identified these domains as promising targets for antifungal drug development [refs. 1,2]. More recently, we found that Bdf1 bromodomains can also recognize bulkier histone modifications, including butyrylation and crotonylation. The ability to recognize histone butyrylation may be particularly relevant in butyrate-rich environments such as the human gut, where C. albicans commonly resides as a commensal organism. Our preliminary results indicate that butyrate and crotonate promote a shift from mixed yeast-hyphal growth to a predominantly yeast morphology in a Bdf1-dependent manner. The project will determine how this interplay between metabolism and epigenetic regulation governs morphotype switching and fungal adaptation. The postdoctoral researcher will take a leading role in addressing these questions using complementary molecular, cellular and structural approaches. The work will include recombinant protein production, structural and biochemical characterization of bromodomain-histone interactions, analysis of Bdf1-chromatin interactions in cells by fluorescence microscopy, and transcriptomic profiling by RNA sequencing of wildtype and Bdf1-mutant C. albicans strains. The project will also involve developing high-resolution 3D X-ray imaging approaches to investigate morphotype-dependent changes in the nuclear and subcellular organization of C. albicans . Together, these studies aim to provide a mechanistic understanding of Bdf1-dependent morphotype regulation and establish a high-resolution 3D imaging workflow for Candida cell biology. The postdoctoral researcher will work jointly at IBS and IAB and also collaborate with scientists at EMBL and ESRF – two international research organizations located near IBS on the EPN campus. The position therefore offers a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning fungal genetics, epigenetics, protein biochemistry, structural biology, microbiology and advanced imaging. Terms of appointment The expected starting date is 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The expected gross monthly salary is €2900–€3300, depending on experience. References: Mietton et al., 2017. Nature Communications 8:15482. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms15482 Wei et al., 2025. Advanced Science 16:e2404260. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202404260
Requirements
Specific Requirements
Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant life-sciences discipline.
Applications are particularly welcome from candidates with strong practical expertise in at least one of the project’s core areas: structural biology, particularly X-ray crystallography or cryo-electron microscopy; protein biochemistry, including protein purification and quantitative analysis of macromolecular interactions; epigenetics and functional genomics; or fungal molecular genetics. Experience in quantitative microscopy, 3D imaging and image analysis, or in bioinformatics, scripting and quantitative data analysis, would be an asset.
The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and demonstrate strong project-management skills in planning and coordinating work across the project’s different experimental components. Strong communication and teamwork skills will also be essential for collaborating effectively with scientists from different disciplines.
