PhD Position

The Department of Biomedicine is a joint effort between the University of Basel and the University Hospitals Basel. It unites basic and clinical scientists to advance our understanding of health and disease and to develop pioneering therapies benefiting the lives of patients in areas of unmet need.
With more than 70 research groups and 800 employees, the Department of Biomedicine is the largest department at the University. We are located in the heart of Basel at 6 different locations. Be part of our future!
 
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.

• 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.

MSc degree with a background in molecular biology, developmental biology/mouse embryology and/or genetics. Applicants with experience in any of these fields will be given preference. Knowledge/interest in bioinformatics is an additional asset.

• 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.
• The PhD position is funded by SNSF for 4 years

 Application

Please use the link below to apply and submit the following documents:  

• 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 grade

Review of applications will continue until position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.