Title of Position: Biological and Chemical Sciences Research Assistant

Supports: Kakos Endowed Faculty Scholars

Department: Biological and Chemical Sciences – Michael ’58 and Aimee Rushinko Kakos Endowment

Reports To: Dr. Bryan Wilkins

Hourly Rate: $18.00

Summary of Position:

Student Research position focused on how DNA is packaged and regulated in the nucleus of a cell. DNA
is a large macromolecule that must be significantly compacted to fit within the size constraints of the
nucleus. Much like the length of thread being shortened around a spool, DNA is wrapped around
biological spool-like structures, each composed of an octameric unit of histone proteins. DNA has a high
affinity for histones and wraps around the octamer creating the most basic repeating unit of chromatin,
the nucleosome. In biology, rather than only one spool per a single length of thread, DNA is wrapped
around thousands to millions of nucleosomes per cell, depending on the organism (~60 K in yeast and
~30 M in humans). Due to the intimate nature of histones and DNA, it is not surprising that histone
protein dynamics regulate DNA access to all essential chromosomal processes. Histone proteins have
the main function of packaging DNA, however they can be chemically modified, resulting in altered
structural architecture, as well as provide signaling to other chromatin modifying proteins to bind and
influence chromatin regulation. This position will employ biochemical techniques to study how
chromatin related proteins interact with the nucleosome and how they influence transcriptional
regulation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cellular transformations of bacteria and yeast
• Genomic and plasmid DNA isolations
• PCR cloning
• PCR induced point mutations
• Yeast cell culturing
• Immunoprecipitations
• DNA and protein electrophoresis
• Western blotting

Qualifications:

• Must possess a basic understanding of histone proteins and chromatin structure
• Must understand the cellular process of translation and transcription
• Prior experience working on an laboratory based independent research project would be
• advantageous.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter (1 page or less), and CV
(being sure to highlight any current or prior research). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
until the position is filled.

Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Catholic Lasallian institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. We expect our faculty, administration, and staff to be knowledgeable about our mission and to make a positive contribution to the mission. Applicants from historically under-represented segments of the population are encouraged to apply, as well as those attracted to a university with a Catholic identity. We are committed to a diverse campus community. AA/EO Employer M/F/D/V