URSA Engage Program 2013
Position Descriptions for Students to Apply For

Faculty Name & Department/School: Dr. Michael Freitag, Biochemistry/Biophysics

Research Project Title: Regulation of Secondary Metabolite Expression by Chromatin Structure

Project Overview: 

Large gene clusters in filamentous fungi are regulated by the underlying chromatin structure, a combination of DNA, proteins and RNA. We wish to determine how genes within secondary metabolite clusters are silenced or expressed as a consequence of posttranslational modifications on histone proteins. To this end we generate mutants, make gene deletion constructs and carry out protein complex isolations. The long-term goal is to generate a regulatory network that explains how large chromatin regions are coordinately silenced or expressed.

What skills will students obtain in this project? 

Introduction to current molecular biology (PCR, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, transformation, gene-targeting), biochemical (SDS-PAGE, protein purification by affinity chromatography) and cytological (microscopy with fluorescently labeled proteins) techniques.

            Introduction to fungal genetics (genotyping and phenotyping, haploid Mendelian genetics).

            Introduction to high-throughput sequencing methods (library construction and data analyses).

Student research tasks: 

The successfully candidate will assist with generation of constructs to decipher the control and function of histone H3 methylation.

Specific responsibilities include:

Upkeep of laboratory stocks (media, buffers).

Genotyping of strains by PCR

Generation of deletion mutants or tagged strains by transformation

            Maintenance of strains

Strain database management

• Required:

attention to detail

good organizational skills

good inter-personal skills

• Preferred:

biochemistry or microbiology students

Period of work - Spring and Fall

Number of hours per week expected of student:   10-15 hrs in three large blocks  

Preferred Faculty Contact Information: email: freitagm@onid.orst.edu

(note - applications are NOT sent to mentors - see instructions)

q Yes    X  No:   Human Subjects 

q Yes    X  No:   Live Vertebrate Animals

X Yes    q  No:   Recombinant DNA Molecules Transgenic Plants or Animal, and/or Infectious Agents of Plants, Animals, or Humans

q Yes    X  No:   Ionizing Radiation

X Yes    q  No:   Chemical Carcinogens

q Yes    X  No:   Scuba Diving, Free Diving

q Yes    X  No:   Small Boating Operations

Approval Number(s) from above, if relevant ________IBC #0912__________

If you are interested in applying for this position, you MUST complete the student application HERE and email it to Dr. Kevin Ahern at ahernk@onid.orst.edu

Do NOT email your application to the faculty mentor.