Book a call
Book a call

Postdoc Position in Epigenome Engineering – Utrecht University, Netherlands (Chromatin Engineering & Epigenomics)

Postdoc position

8/10/2026

Utrecht University is offering a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Epigenome Engineering within the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated scientist with a background in chromatin biology, gene regulation, epigenetics, and/or synthetic biology interested in bridging epigenomics and chromatin engineering to study epigenetic regulation of transcriptional processes.

Position Snapshot

  • Institution: Utrecht University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Genome Biology & Epigenetics (GBE) group, Utrecht, Netherlands

  • Research Group: Baubec Lab (Genome Biology & Epigenetics group)

  • Level: Postdoctoral Researcher (full-time, 36–40 hours per week)

  • Funding: Fully funded postdoctoral position through Utrecht University

  • Research areas:

    • Epigenome engineering and chromatin biology

    • Epigenetic regulation of transcriptional processes

    • Manipulation of epigenetic marks in embryonic stem cells

    • Investigation of changes in epigenetic landscapes and transcription upon controlled manipulation

    • Engineering of synthetic chromatin states

    • Systems biology approaches to understand the role of modifications on histones and DNA

  • Start date: As soon as possible / by mutual agreement

  • Contract duration: Initially 1 year (1.0 FTE), with extension of 2 years upon positive evaluation (total 3 years)

  • Application deadline: 31 August 2026

  • Application portal: Utrecht University online application system – https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university/jobs/postdoc-position-in-epigenome-engineering

  • Application fee: None

  • Contact: For more information, contact Tuncay Baubec at t.baubec@uu.nl


About the Research Project

The Genome Biology & Epigenetics (GBE) group at Utrecht University takes a systems biology approach to understand the role of modifications on histones and DNA. Chemical modifications of histones and DNA provide an important regulatory layer for gene expression control and numerous other processes in the cell.

This project aims to bridge chromatin engineering and epigenomics to study epigenetic regulation of transcriptional processes. The appointed Postdoctoral Researcher will work on cutting-edge research at the intersection of epigenetics, chromatin biology, gene regulation, and synthetic biology.

Key research activities include:

  • Manipulation of epigenetic marks in embryonic stem cells

  • Investigating changes in epigenetic landscapes and transcription upon controlled manipulation

  • Engineering of synthetic chromatin states

  • Developing and applying systems biology approaches to understand histone and DNA modifications

  • Bringing in individual ideas and expertise to the current project and developing new project ideas

  • Publishing research results at leading international conferences and in high-impact scientific journals

  • Collaborating with researchers from epigenetics, chromatin biology, and synthetic biology at Utrecht University and other international partners

This project combines molecular biology, cell engineering, genomics, epigenomics, and computational data analysis to address fundamental questions about epigenetic regulation and its applications in development, disease, and synthetic biology.

Funding and Financial Support

Selected candidates will receive a fully funded postdoctoral position with the following core features:

  • Contract type: Full-time employment (36–40 hours per week), initially for 1 year with extension of 2 years upon positive evaluation (total 3 years)

  • Salary level: Gross monthly salary between €3,546 and €5,538 (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, CAO NU), depending on qualifications and experience

  • Benefits:

    • 8% holiday pay

    • 8.3% year-end bonus

    • Pension scheme (partially paid by Utrecht University)

    • Partially paid parental leave

    • Flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU

    • Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and computing infrastructures

    • Professional development opportunities, training, and access to university facilities

  • Research support: Access to modern molecular biology and genomics facilities, high-performance computing infrastructure, and funds for conference travel, research visits, and collaboration, as per Utrecht University norms

This funding model makes the position accessible to both Dutch and international candidates, provided they meet the eligibility and enrolment requirements.

Who Should Apply

This position is ideal for candidates with a strong background in chromatin biology, gene regulation, epigenetics, molecular biology, synthetic biology, or related fields, and a clear interest in epigenome engineering and transcriptional regulation.

Academic Background

Applicants should hold a PhD in chromatin biology, gene regulation, epigenetics, molecular biology, synthetic biology, or a closely related field.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

  • Background in chromatin biology and/or gene regulation

  • Experience in cell engineering, molecular cloning, genomics, and computational data analysis workflows

  • Obtained, or on track to obtain, a PhD with first or co-author publications/preprints in the respective field

  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team

  • Strong written and oral communication skills in English

  • Enthusiasm for bringing in individual ideas and expertise to the project and developing new project ideas


Preferred Qualifications and Experience

  • Experience with epigenome engineering techniques (e.g., CRISPR-based epigenetic editing, chromatin state manipulation)

  • Experience with embryonic stem cell culture and manipulation

  • Experience with genomics and epigenomics data analysis (e.g., ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, Hi-C)

  • Experience with synthetic biology approaches for engineering chromatin states

  • Track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals

Prior research experience (e.g., postdoctoral work, PhD thesis on chromatin biology, epigenetics, gene regulation, or related topics) and publications in relevant venues are strongly recommended.

Application Materials

Applications must be submitted online only via the Utrecht University online application system. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Required documents typically include:

  • Letter of motivation explaining your motivation, relevant background, and fit with the epigenome engineering project and research group

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, research experience, technical skills, and any publications or relevant projects

  • Contact details of at least two references (names, telephone numbers, and email addresses)

All documents should be uploaded in the formats specified in the online application system. Applications that do not meet the formal requirements or are submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

  1. Review the official job posting and project description

    • Read the full job posting on the Utrecht University website to understand the research theme, requirements, and application instructions.

    • Note the position title: “Postdoc Position in Epigenome Engineering” and research group: Baubec Lab.

  2. Prepare your application documents

    • Update your CV to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills in chromatin biology, epigenetics, gene regulation, molecular cloning, genomics, and computational data analysis.

    • Draft a targeted letter of motivation that connects your background to the specific project (epigenome engineering, chromatin states, transcriptional regulation), mentions any relevant lab or computational experience, and explains your motivation for pursuing a postdoc in this area.

    • Confirm your referees’ contact details (names, telephone numbers, and email addresses) and ensure they are willing to provide reference letters if contacted.

  3. Access the online application portal

  4. Complete the online form and upload documents

    • Fill in all required personal and academic details.

    • Upload your letter of motivation, CV, and referee contacts in the specified formats (usually PDF).

    • Double-check that all files are correctly attached and readable before final submission.

  5. Submit before the deadline

    • Ensure your application is submitted no later than 31 August 2026.

    • The system will not accept applications after the closing date; late submissions are not considered.


Selection Process and Timeline

The recruitment process typically involves:

  • Initial evaluation: Dr. Baubec and the research group review all submitted applications based on academic profile, research fit, technical skills, and motivation.

  • Shortlisting and interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (usually online or on-site) to discuss their background, research interests, and fit with the project and team.

  • Final selection and offer: Successful candidates receive formal offers and instructions for contract signing and onboarding at Utrecht University.


Key dates from the official call and summaries are:

  • Application deadline: 31 August 2026

  • Employment start: As soon as possible / by mutual agreement

  • Contract duration: Initially 1 year, with extension of 2 years upon positive evaluation (total 3 years)


Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This postdoc position offers a rare combination of:

  • Fully funded postdoctoral contract with competitive Dutch salary (€3,546–€5,538 gross/month, scale 10) and excellent employee benefits (holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, flexible terms)

  • A clearly defined, high-impact research project on epigenome engineering and chromatin biology, with direct relevance to gene regulation, development, disease, and synthetic biology

  • Interdisciplinary collaboration with leading groups at Utrecht University and other partner institutions, offering exposure to cutting-edge molecular biology, genomics, and computational facilities

  • A vibrant research environment in Utrecht, with access to excellent research facilities, state-of-the-art instrumentation, and a strong network of epigenetics, chromatin biology, and synthetic biology researchers


For candidates passionate about chromatin biology, epigenetics, gene regulation, and epigenome engineering, this is an excellent opportunity to pursue a high-impact postdoc at one of Europe’s leading research universities.

For more personalized tips or templates contact our team.

www.applywithmentors.com