PhD Student prestart / Research Assistant (m/f/d) in Xenopus Embryonic Ageing & Epigenetics

IMB (www.imb.de) is a research institute on the campus of Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany. It is generously funded by the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Our research focuses on the biology of the cell nucleus and ranges from the molecular level to systems and computational approaches. Researchers at IMB are supported by strong core facilities that offer state-of-the-art equipment and training in protein production, microscopy, proteomics, cytometry, genomics and bioinformatics.

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.

 

See also https://www.imb.de/research/niehrs/research 

 

During your time as Research Assistant you will have the opportunity to apply for and transfer to the International PhD Programme (IPP).

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.

To apply, please upload your application containing your cover letter stating research and career interests, CV, scans of your degrees (including copies of Abitur- and Master degree if existing) to our application form on imb.de/jobs/scientific-positions. Should you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact us by email [email protected], quoting Ref. No. #CNRA01. Informal enquires should be addressed to Prof Christof Niehrs. IMB is an equal opportunity employer.