PhD position in evolutionary genetics

Our aim is to exploring the evolutionary conserved genetic aspects of bone-muscle ‎interactions in vertebrates, by in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. In particular, we aim to ‎produce gene targets for pharmacological treatment for human disease, as well as for ‎aquaculture. ‎
In particular, the candidate will: ‎
‎- detect effects of the genes newly identified by association study on the musculoskeletal ‎system by tracing expression levels in bone and muscle cells in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)‎
‎- estimate effects of silencing and knocking-out potentially pleiotropic genes in Zebrafish and ‎medaka, by generation of CRISPR/Cas9 mutant fish.‎
Candidates with M.Sc. in the following research areas should apply: Molecular biology, ‎Developmental biology, Medical Neurobiology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, ‎Immunology, and Endocrinology. An experience of working with small fish is a plus as the ‎student will be involved with the maintenance of zebrafish strains, breeding and embryonic ‎manipulations. The position requires an experience in general molecular biology protocols. ‎Characterization of muscle and bone phenotypes is performed by advanced imaging ‎techniques (microCT, fluorescent microscopy etc.) The research is performed in ‎collaboration with the EU and US-based colleagues; there is a possibility of training in ‎Singapore.‎