Evo Devo Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Aberdeen, UK – 3 years

Join us to discover how seashells develop and evolve!

A talented and creative researcher in the field of evolutionary developmental biology is sought to take part in a highly interdisciplinary and international project funded by the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP). We aim to understand the role of gene family expansions in the evolution of novel complex traits in molluscs. Our approach will use a combination of state-of-the-art techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene knock-out and single cell technologies, to understand the functional role of specific genes in mollusc shell development.

We are particularly interested in studying a class of receptors called pattern recognition receptors (PRR). The project offered will involve: (i) analysing single cell RNAseq atlases to determine the cell type expression specificity of PRR genes, (ii) assessing the spatial expression of PRR genes in developmental stages of molluscs using HCR in situ hybridisations and, (iii) CRISPR-Cas9 gene knock-out functional analysis of specific PRR genes.

We are seeking a talented individual who is motivated to understand how embryos develop and how developmental processes evolve. Since the project will involve experimental embryology and bioinformatic techniques, it is essential to have at least some experience in both experimental work and bioinformatic data analysis (preferably of single cell data). An ideal candidate would have a PhD, or postdoctoral experience, in developmental biology or evolutionary developmental biology (this includes PhD students who are near completion and will have sustained a PhD degree by the start date). However, excellent candidates from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply – provided they can evidence enthusiasm and commitment to learning about evolutionary developmental biology.

The successful candidate will join a growing and dynamic research team, led by Dr Vicky Sleight, who uses experimental and bioinformatic approaches to understand fundamental questions in developmental biology and evolution. The primary model system studied in the Sleight lab is Crepidula fornicata and this species will form the basis of the in vivo functional analyses in the project. The project is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration with Dr Jessica Goodheart’s team at the American Museum of Natural History in the USA, who will identify and reconstruct PRR gene families across molluscs, and Dr Manabu Bessho‑Uehara’s team at Tohoku University in Japan, who will computationally and biochemically characterize molluscan PRRs and identify their ligands. There is considerable flexibility available in project direction and the successful candidate will evidence independence in project design and delivery. Successful candidates will have the opportunity and mentorship available to develop their own ideas and shape the project direction from an early stage.

The Sleight lab is based at the University of Aberdeen, located in an affordable and vibrant city with access to some of the best outdoor activities and quality of life that the UK has to offer.