PhD Position: Congenital malformation and evolutionary diversification of limb organogenesis
Starting date: 1. February 2025 or as per agreement
What do limb congenital malformations and evolutionary limb diversification have in common? The emerging field of evolutionary developmental pathology (Evo-Evo-Patho) explores the common developmental programs that are altered by congenital malformations and evolutionary diversification. Are you interested in working at the crossroad of developmental biology, evolution and congenital malformations? Join our cutting-edge research team in the Department of Biomedicine (DBM) at the University of Basel and explore the genetic and cellular basis of vertebrate limb organogenesis, its robustness and evolutionary adaptation. The Developmental Genetics group http://www.devgenbasel.com/ has recently identified novel limb progenitor populations that are crucial for specification and development of digits, which offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the cellular and molecular basis underlying congenital malformations and evolutionary digit reductions. Our research integrates reverse genetics, molecular and cellular techniques, and state-of-art imaging in both model and non-model species to understand how digit number and identities are established starting with specification of the early progenitor cells.
What you’ll be working on
• Uncovering the specific functions of distinct limb progenitor cell populations in generating the digit pattern: you will investigate the lineage and role of the two progenitor populations for digit specification in wild-type and genetically altered mouse models for digit loss by fluorescent lineage tracing in embryos. In addition the effects of genetic ablation of specific progenitor populations on digit organogenesis will be assessed.
• Exploring the developmental plasticity of progenitors digit specification: advanced
CRISPR/Cas9 based transgene technology will be used to explore how modifications of the limb progenitors blueprint alters digit numbers and identities in the context of congenital malformations and evolutionary diversification such as in Artiodactyla and birds.
Why join us?
• Pioneering and impactful research: This project combines advanced genetic, cellular, molecular and -omics techniques to tackle complex questions in developmental and evolutionary biology in an original manner. Your findings will provide insight into the significant knowledge gap in understanding how progenitor cells give rise to divergent functional structures in different contexts.
• Collaborative environment: The DBM provides a multidisciplinary research environment with excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology platforms for cutting-edge research. The DBM PhD Program and Club with their various activities and annual retreats allows graduate students to network and establish scientific and social contacts with peers from different institutions. Last but not least, interactions with other University of Basel Life Science institutes and in the Basel-Strasbourg-Freiburg University triangle provide ample exciting opportunities for collaborations.
Your profile
MSc degree with a background in molecular biology, developmental biology/mouse embryology and/orgenetics. Applicants with experience in any of these fields will be given preference. Knowledge/interest in bioinformatics is an additional asset. The PhD position is funded by SNSF for 4 years.
Application
- Detailed CV with contact details and at least 2 references.
- Concise personal statement describing how your research skills and interests align with the project goals and the group’s research focus.
- Copy of BSc and MSc degrees with transcripts of grades
Send these documents as one PDF file to Prof. Aimée Zuniga ORCID 0000-0002-9953-3637 (aimee.zuniga@unibas.ch)
Review of applications will continue until position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.