Postdoctoral researcher – Mechanical control of hidden embryonic boundaries (HFSP project)

We are looking for a motivated researcher to work on a collaborative project between UCL (University College of London), UCSD (University California San Diego) and the CABD (Andalusian Center of Developmental Biology): Mechanical control of hidden embryonic boundaries, funded by HFSP.

The successful candidate will be based at the “Morphogenesis and mechanosensitive gene regulation” laboratory at CABD (Sevilla) led by María Almuedo Castillo, but will get to stay at UCL with Alessandro Mongera for joint experimental efforts. The candidate will work with early zebrafish embryos and use advanced imaging technologies, such as live imaging super-resolution, 3D light-sheet imaging and quantitative analysis to observe how mechanosensitive nuclear envelope components interact with chromatin and how this impacts on gene regulation. Depending on their background and multidisciplinary interests, candidates could also work with single-cell omics technologies and learn about cutting-edge mechanical quantitative techniques.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, and SKILLS REQUIRED

• A PhD in molecular biology, genome biology or cell and developmental biology.
• Profound understanding of developmental morphogenesis / biophysics / mechanobiology.
• Expertise in zebrafish, early embryo manipulations, quantitative image analysis and/or genomics and transcriptomics techniques will be advantageous.
• Motivation, creativity and commitment to achieving scientific goals.
• English language proficiency.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

The CABD (Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology), located in Sevilla was created in 2003 as the first Developmental Biology Institute in Spain. In 2017 the Department of Gene Regulation and Morphogenesis received a Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence award that has been renewed for the whole CABD during in 2022. The centre is jointly funded by the Spanish Research Council (CSIC), the Andalusian Regional Government (JA) and the Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO) in Seville. The genomics and imaging equipment are state-of-the-art and were recently acquired with EU funds. We have collaborative links with the University of Sevilla and several biomedical research centres like CABIMER and IBIS. The working language of the institute is English.

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer a fully funded three-year postdoctoral position based on the “Morphogenesis and mechanosensitive gene regulation” laboratory at CABD. The lab is integrated within the Gene Regulation and Morphogenesis department which promotes experimental research in the genetic and molecular bases of the morphogenesis of complex organs and tissues and their evolution, focusing on regulatory mechanisms including self-organization, functional genomics and epigenomics, cell migration and shape, mitochondrial signaling, and nuclear dynamics. The department boasts a competitive, and highly collaborative international environment with ample professional development opportunities.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send a CV, a brief description of your research interests and the contact of two previous supervisors directly to malmcas@upo.es by July 31st, 2024. The successful candidate could start by October 1st 2024, even though the start date can be negotiated.