PhD positions using quantitative live imaging to investigate neural tube formation

The brain and the spinal cord arise from a common precursor, the neural tube, formed very early in embryonic development. Changes in cellular architecture must be tightly coordinated in space and time to generate the forces that sculpt and shape the neural tube. Failure of the neural tube to form correctly results in some of the most common and severe birth defects.

The morphological changes that shape the neural tube are driven by remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton but the dynamics of this process are poorly understood due to a lack of live imaging. We have projects available to use quantitative live imaging approaches to study how the actin network is remodelled in real time during neural tube morphogenesis and which are the key molecules regulating this. Neural tube development will be studied using transgenic avian embryos with opportunities to complement the work using zebrafish and human iPS cell models.

This is an opportunity to join the newly established Dynamics of Morphogenesis lab at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) in sunny Queensland, Australia. You will have access to a fantastic range of infrastructure including one of the largest and most comprehensively equipped imaging facilities in Australia. The lab values an open, supportive and collaborative environment in which to pursue your scientific excellence. To take full advantage of this opportunity you will need to be passionate about science, driven to succeed and ready to use your initiative.

Skills in molecular, cell and developmental biology, live imaging, mechanobiology or biophysics would be of benefit but enthusiasm and initiative are of most importance.

Click here to see the beautiful transgenic quail model

Applicants must meet the entry requirements for the PhD program, including English language proficiency.

Fully funded 3.5 year scholarships are available (with possibility of 6 month extension) linked to grants awarded to the host laboratory. Both Australian and International students can apply. The studentship covers tuition fees and provides an annual stipend (currently set for 2022/23 as 28,597 AUD per annum, tax free). Additional benefits of the scholarship include a laptop provided by the host university.

For further information, please contact Dr Melanie White: melanie.white@imb.uq.edu.au