The position
Get research experience with the possibility to prestart a PhD Student Position
Ageing is commonly believed to start in adulthood. However, there is increasing evidence that organismic ageing begins already during embryonic development. This indicates that mechanisms of ageing may be productively studied during embryogenesis. Following this notion, you will study the role of progeria genes, which lead to premature ageing, in frog (Xenopus) embryos in the laboratory of Prof Christof Niehrs. We have recently shown that epigenetic clock is applicable to frogs as it is in humans (Zoller et al. DNA methylation clocks for clawed frogs reveal evolutionary conservation of epigenetic aging. (2024) Geroscience). Using epigenetic clock analysis, you will characterize cellular ageing and senescence in developing frog tissues using immunofluorescence microscopy. You will analyze epigenetic profiles in premature ageing embryos including by Next Generation Sequencing, to understand the molecular network involved in these phenotypes. You will learn to analyze these Big Data by bioinformatic analysis. You will work in a team of developmental biologists and bioinformaticians. Methods used: Standard molecular biology techniques, frog embryo culture & microinjection, RNA in situ hybridisation, confocal microscopy, Next Generation Sequencing, computational Omics data analysis.
During your time as Research Assistant you will have the opportunity to apply for and transfer to the International PhD Programme (IPP).
Why join us?
We offer a stimulating, diverse and international research environment, with a pleasant working atmosphere, and informal culture. The institute is modern, well-equipped and centrally located with good public transport links and parking.
