PhD Positions in Vertebrate Development and Regulatory Evolution

Two fully funded PhD positions are available in the Laboratory of Regulatory Evolution (Tschopp group) at the Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Switzerland.

Our research interests focus on two main questions:

1. How is phenotypic diversity generated during vertebrate embryogenesis?
2. How can developmental processes be modified to drive morphological evolution?

 

We are particularly interested in investigating how the evolution of gene regulation is underlying these phenomena. As a model system, we are studying the development of the vertebrate skeleton with its associated neuromuscular system.

The two projects will investigate the gene regulatory networks underlying the generation of different skeletal cell types, and the interplay of cell specification and embryonic patterning during vertebrate skeletogenesis.

For more information please visit http://evolution.unibas.ch/tschopp/research/index.htm

We will address these questions using a range of experimental methods, including embryology in chicken, mice and fish; functional genomics (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, STARR-seq); cell culture and viral gene delivery; genome editing (CRISPR-Cas9); bioinformatics and in silico modeling.

 

Your profile

Successful candidates will have a background (Masters degree or equivalent) in molecular and/or developmental biology, and ideally will have a basic understanding of Unix and the R language for statistical computing. You are interested in learning and using new technology to address long-standing questions in developmental and evolutionary biology.

 

We offer you

• Highly interactive and interdisciplinary research environment
• Attractive employment conditions, very competitive salary by international standards, full funding for 4 years
• Both projects build on solid foundations of confirmed preliminary data

 

Application / Contact

Please apply following the link below.

Evaluation will begin on Sept. 1st 2016 and suitable candidates will be contacted shortly after.

The University of Basel is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from female candidates.