Our lab studies how RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription is regulated in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and in human cells. We focus on how opposing kinases and phosphatases work with chromatin structure to control three key transitions: initiation to promoter escape, promoter-proximal pausing to elongation, and elongation to termination. We also investigate how these mechanisms influence processes that occur during transcription, including splicing, alternative polyadenylation (APA), and antisense transcription. To address these questions, we combine biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, classical genetics, genomics, and proteomics with chemical genetics, which uses engineered kinases that respond selectively to ATP analogs.
Position Available
Postdoctoral Research Position | Parua Lab | Department of Molecular Pharmacology | Albert Einstein College of Medicine
The Parua Lab invites applications from highly motivated researchers for a postdoctoral position investigating the mechanisms governing RNA polymerase II initiation, elongation, and termination. Using human cell lines and the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we integrate genetics with genomic approaches—including ChIP-seq, PRO-seq, NET-seq, and RNA-seq—to understand how CDK–phosphatase signaling networks, chromatin organization, and histone modifications regulate transcriptional pausing and gene expression.
The successful candidate will lead mechanistic research projects and contribute to an interdisciplinary program in transcription and chromatin biology. Essential qualifications include strong expertise in transcription biology; hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in mammalian cells; practical experience with genomic methods and proficiency in analyzing the resulting data; and research experience with yeast, including demonstrated expertise in yeast genetics.
To apply, please send an updated CV, a cover letter describing your research interests and relevant experience, and the names and contact information of professional references to pabitra.parua@einsteinmed.edu.
View the full position announcement and application details (PDF).
