PhD position in Developmental Neurobiology

Starting 1^st March 2023 or later, a

PhD position in Developmental Neurobiology

is available in the Temporal Patterning Lab led by Dr. Andreas Sagner at the Institute for Biochemistry (FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg).

Background

Proper development and function of the vertebrate nervous system requires the generation of distinct types of neurons, which need to be specified at the right place, time and number and then be correctly connected to each other. We study how a recently uncovered temporal patterning program, which depends on cohorts of transcription factors that are specific for early, intermediate, or late-born neurons, contributes to the establishment of neuronal diversity in large regions of the developing nervous system. The main aim of the project is to investigate how temporal patterning contributes to the establishment of neuronal diversity of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. To achieve this aim, we plan to use in-vitro human stem cell-based differentiations in combination with in-vivo mouse models and a wide repertoire of experimental approaches. These range from state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering, single cell transcriptomics and epigenomic profiling of transcription factor binding sites and histone modifications to in-vivo cell labelling and histological experiments.

Candidates

We are looking for an enthusiastic, knowledge-driven student with an excellent Master’s degree in Molecular Medicine, Biology, Biochemistry or related fields who is interested in addressing fundamental questions at the intersection between developmental and neurobiology. We particularly value curiosity, the will to explore and the ability to work independently and responsibly. No further specific prerequisites are required, although prior knowledge in areas related to the work of the lab, such as handling of mice, cultivation and differentiation of stem cells or bioinformatic analysis of single cell and epigenomic sequencing data could be advantageous.

About us

We are an enthusiastic, dynamic and international lab with lab members from Spain, India and Germany. The lab is embedded within the thriving developmental biology and neuroscience communities in Erlangen, offering successful PhD candidates a highly interdisciplinary and stimulating work environment with access to state-of-the-art equipment and research facilities. Successful candidates will be automatically enrolled in the graduate school of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research (IZKF), offering a structured curriculum and a wide range of scientific and soft-skill training programs

Position

• PhD project funded by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research (IZKF)
• Payment according to TV-L (E13 65%)
• Initially limited to 2.5 years but with possibility for extension
• Application closes 15.02.2023
• Start date between 01.03.2023 and 30.06.2023

In case of interest

Please submit a letter of interest (max 1-2 pages), academic CV and publication list and arrange for a letter of reference to be directly send to andreas.sagner@fau.de. For further information, please contact andreas.sagner@fau.de.