Two BBSRC-funded post-doctoral positions are available as part of a collaboration between the Universities of St Andrews and Aberdeen:

• evolutionary developmental biologist (three years, currently proposed start date 1 January 2020, mostly based in St Andrews) (apply by 16 August 2019) https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/1632/0/235292/889/research-fellow-ar2231mr
• molecular developmental biologist/RNA molecular biologist (three years, currently proposed start date 1 January 2020, mostly based in Aberdeen) (apply by 26 August 2019) https://www.abdn.ac.uk/research/jobs/IMS165R

The collaboration will study evolution of Wnt signalling and alternative transcript expression, splicing and function of TCF/LEF genes. This will be a close collaboration between the research group of David Ferrier at the Scottish Oceans Institute in St. Andrews and Hoppler group at the Institute of Medical Sciences in Aberdeen and will also involve Seb Shimeld and Nanopore in Oxford and Nori Satoh in Okinawa, Japan.

Informal enquiries to to Dave Ferrier <dekf@st-andrews.ac.uk> and Stefan Hoppler <s.p.hoppler@abdn.ac.uk>.

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 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION is available to study different aspects of the lymphatic vasculature in health and disease. Some of the projects include the characterization of the role of lymphatics in mammalian organogenesis in health and disease. Highly motivated individuals and have a strong background in vascular and molecular tools and are familiar with the use of mouse models are encouraged to apply. Interested individuals should send their curriculum vitae, a brief description of their research interests, and the names of three references to: 

Guillermo Oliver, Ph.D 

Thomas D Spies Professor of Lymphatic Metabolism 

Director Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology 

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine 

303 East Superior Street, 10-107 

Chicago, Illinois 60611 

Email: guillermo.oliver@northwestern.edu 

http://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/oliver/ 

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The term “embryonic development” was originally proposed some 2,400 years ago by Aristotle, however, many aspects of how the genome regulates development remain unclear. One major challenge of the modern Genomics Era is to better understand how transcriptional factors, transcriptional activators and repressors, regulate gene expression in order to support spatiotemporal outputs that change over the course of development. Recently, Dr. Theodora Koromila – senior postdoc in the Stathopoulos lab, together with Dr. Angelike Stathopoulos, at the California Institute of Technology, took a different approach to gene regulation by focusing mostly on transcriptional repressors. Using the quantitative MS2-MCP live imaging technology, they have provided insight into the mechanisms of action of the broadly-expressed transcriptional factors Runt (Run; Runx ortholog) and Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)], throughout the early Drosophila embryo.

Specifically, based on the predicted transcriptional factors binding sites, both of these proteins were identified in an enhancer of the BMP antagonist gene short-gastrulation (sog) called the sog_Distal enhancer. Upon mutagenesis of these binding sites, the reporter-driven expression patterns exhibit dynamic spatiotemporal width changes. To assess these phenotypes systematically, Koromila and Stathopoulos devised a MS2-MCP live imaging approach to measure the spatiotemporal outputs across the entire embryo (see Movie). In this context, when the Run binding site was mutated, active expression was detected earlier than in the control. This suggests that Run normally acts to regulate the timing of transcription (see Graphical Abstract). Furthermore, their data demonstrated that Su(H) regulates expression levels, and that both factors control spatial expression. On the other hand, whereas Su(H) functions as a dedicated repressor, Run temporally switches its activity from repressor to activator in the context of the sog_Distal enhancer (see Graphical Abstract).

This research has just been published in the scientific journal Cell Reports (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.063) and demonstrates that broadly-expressed repressors not only contribute to dynamic gene expression, but also play temporally-distinct roles. These findings provide an important basis for future research on how broadly-acting transcription factors control gene expression, which will likely be applicable to higher organisms, including vertebrates, as cis-regulatory mechanisms are generally conserved in metazoans.

The full study, “Distinct roles of broadly-expressed repressors support dynamic enhancer action and change in time” appears in Cell Reports (July 2019).

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The Department of the Director Prof Miltos Tsiantis is looking for early stage researchers to employ at the Ph.D. and Post Doc level in the areas of plant development, morphogenesis and evolution (http://www.mpipz.mpg.de/226344/tsiantis-dpt).

Ph. D. candidates should have an M. Sc in appropriate discipline (Plant biology, Developmental biology, Computer Science, Genetics, Biochemistry, Statistical, Evolutionary or Population Genetics). Post Doc candidates typically will have obtained a Ph.D. degree no more than two years ago.

Ideal candidates will have shown evidence for working towards academic excellence, creativity, strong communication skills both orally and on paper and ability to work independently and harmoniously as part of a team. The Department also has a number of active international collaborations in which students will be encouraged to participate.

The positions are available at either PhD and Post Doc level and appointments will depend on the merit of interested candidates. Payment and benefits will depend on age and experience and will be according to the German TVöD scale.

Areas of research:

The interplay between growth and patterning in shaping organ form

 Morphogenesis, pattern formation, growth and form, leaf development, live imaging, computational modelling

Natural variation of developmental traits in Cardamine hirsuta

 Genetics, bioinformatics, local adaptation, ecology and evolution

 Genetic Networks shaping leaf development in angiosperm plants

 Transcriptional enhancers in development and diversity, plant homeobox genes, genome editing

Interested candidates should provide a motivation letter explaining how their skills and interests fit the areas above. Please, apply by sending a combined pdf document (your_name_PhD or PostDoc.pdf) including your motivation letter and CV, to Dr. Ismene Karakasilioti (applications.tsiantis@mpipz.mpg.de), until 17 September 2019. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Relevant add: https://www.mpg.de/13751773/positions-tsiantis

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This survey is now closed. If you missed it but would still like to share your thoughts, just email thenode@biologists.com

The Node is planning to launch a database of developmental and stem cell biologists. The idea is to help people organising conferences, assembling committees and seeking speakers/referees to identify individuals that might not otherwise have come to mind. We believe this is particularly important to help promote diversity in our field and at our conferences.

This initiative has been inspired by efforts such as Anne’s List (for female neuroscientists) and DiversifyEEB (for female and under-represented minority ecologists and evolutionary biologists) but aims to be fully inclusive – we will welcome entries from any member of the developmental and stem cell biology community. The database will list the entrant’s scientific field, place of work and career stage, and can also provide information on aspects of diversity such as gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+ identity and disability status. Given the potentially sensitive nature of such information (some of these data are defined as ‘sensitive’ by EU data protection regulations and therefore are subject to greater protection), it will be provided on a purely voluntary basis. We are also aware that there are many aspects of diversity not covered by these categories, and hope to give entrants the opportunity to provide relevant information as they choose.

We hope that such a database will provide a valuable resource for the community, and in order to ensure that it best suits your needs, we want to survey community opinion on how best to move forward. The survey is anonymous (though you can provide an email address if you wish to be contacted in the future), and all questions are optional (only answer those questions you feel comfortable answering). The survey is open to everyone in the developmental and stem cell biology community.

You can fill out the survey here:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/thenodesurvey

Survey closes Sunday 11 August

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Position Summary:

The Echeverri lab at the MBL seeks a highly motivated individual to join the Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering as a Postdoctoral Researcher.  The successful candidate will work on the evolution of molecular mechanisms of scar free skin regeneration in axolotls. The position is initially for one year.

Additional Information:

The specific goal of the project is to examine the role of different cell types and signaling molecules in responding to injury cues. The aim is to translate findings from axolotls into mammalian models of wound healing.

Basic Qualifications:

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a biology related field.  Must have prior experience working in the field of cell and developmental biology, as well as experience with molecular biology.  Must be independent, enthusiastic, self-motivated, productive, and enjoy working in a highly collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have direct experience with working in vivo in an animal model.  Previous experience with cell culture, molecular biology, genome editing and imaging would be a plus.

Required documents:

1. Cover letter explaining specifically why you are interested in joining our lab to work on this project and what positive qualities you would bring to our team.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. List of 3 references (Please do not have letters sent at this time. Letter writers will be contacted directly by the PI)

Please apply online:

https://recruiting.ultipro.com/MAR1033MBL/JobBoard/4c3007c3-6354-41de-a13f-d95be60d91e9/?q=&o=postedDateDesc

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We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to join research projects investigating the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders in the laboratory of Kristen Kroll at Washington University School of Medicine. We work in collaboration with Washington University’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, (https://sites.wustl.edu/krolllab/cellular_models/), using directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells), mouse models, and a wide range of cellular, molecular, biochemical, and genomic approaches, to elucidate gene regulatory networks that control the specification and differentiation of specific human neuronal cell types, such as cortical interneurons. We are defining roles for epigenetic regulation in controlling these networks and identifying mechanisms by which their dysregulation contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability syndromes, and pediatric epilepsies. For additional information about our ongoing work and research interests, please see: https://sites.wustl.edu/krolllab/

Setting/Salary/Benefits:

Our laboratory is in an academic setting in the Department of Developmental Biology at Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis), an internationally recognized research institution with a dynamic research environment and extensive infrastructural and core facility support. Postdoctoral appointees at Washington University receive a starting salary based on the NIH NRSA guidelines and a generous benefit package.

Complete information on the benefit package is located on the WUSM Human Resources Benefits Website (http://medschoolhr.wustl.edu). The St. Louis area combines the attractions of a major city with family-friendly and affordable lifestyle opportunities (https://explorestlouis.com/).

Qualifications:

Candidates should hold a PhD with preference given to applicants with a strong interest in and research training relevant to the areas of neural development, stem cell biology, and transcriptional or epigenetic regulation. Interested candidates should send a CV/names of references by email to kkroll@wustl.edu or by regular mail to Kristen L. Kroll, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8103, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110.

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1.Basic job and project description:

1.Job/ project description:

The postdoc could choose between three main research projects:

a. Mathematical modeling of phenotypic evolution in populations with embryonic development.

b. Mathematical modeling of gene network and embryonic development evolution.

c. Mathematical modeling of organ development and their evolution in mammalian teeth or Drosophila wing or some other feasible organ of the postdoc choice.

The actual project will be chosen together with the candidate depending on his/her interests and skills.

The research will take place in the Isaac Salazar-Ciudad’s group in the Center of Excellence in Experimental and computational developmental biology of the Biotechnology Institute of the University of Helsinki, Finland.

The job is for 1 year.

2. Background:

Why organisms are the way they are?

Can we understand the processes by which complex organisms are build in each generation and how these evolved?

The process of embryonic development is now widely acknowledged to be crucial to understand evolution since any change in the phenotype in evolution (e.g. morphology) is first a change in the developmental process by which this phenotype is produced. Over the years we have come to learn that there is a set of developmental rules that determine which phenotypic variation can possibly arise in populations due to genetic mutation (the so called genotype-phenotype map). Since natural selection can act only on existing phenotypic variation, these rules of development have an effect on the direction of evolutionary change.

Salazar-Ciudad’s group is devoted to understand these developmental rules and how these can help to better understand the direction of evolutionary change. The ultimate goal is to modify evolutionary theory by considering not only natural selection in populations but also developmental biology in populations. For that aim we combine mathematical models of embryonic development that relate genetic variation to morphological variation with population models. The former models are based on what is currently known in developmental biology.

Salazar-Ciudad’s group is in close collaboration with Jukka Jernvall’s group and other groups within the center of excellence in experimental and computational developmental biology. The center includes groups working in tooth, wing, hair and mammary glands development. In addition to evolutionary and developmental biologists the center of excellence includes bioinformaticians, populational and quantitative geneticists, systems biologists and paleontologists.

“The Academy of Finland’s Centres of Excellence are the flagships of Finnish research. They are close to or at the very cutting edge of science in their fields, carving out new avenues for research, developing creative research environments and training new talented researchers for the Finnish research system.”

3. Requirements:

-The applicant must hold a PhD in either evolutionary biology, developmental biology or, preferably, in evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo). Applicants with a PhD in theoretical or mathematical biology are also welcome.

-Programming skills or a willingness to acquire them is required.

-The most important requirement is a strong interest and motivation on science and evolution. A capacity for creative and critical thinking is also required.

Salary according to Finnish postdoc salaries.

5. The application must include:

-Motivation letter including a statement of interests
-CV (summarizing degrees obtained, subjects included in degree and grades, average grade).
-Summary of PhD project, its main conclusions and its underlying motivation.

-Application should be sent to Isaac Salazar-Ciudad by email:

isaac.salazar@helsinki.fi

No official documents are required for the application first stage but these may be required latter on.

6. Deadline:

There is no specific deadline, the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found in 2019.

7. Examples of recent publications by Isaac Salazar-Ciudad group.

Brun-Usan M, Marín-Riera M, Grande C, Truchado-Garcia M, Salazar-Ciudad I. A set of simple cell processes is sufficient to model spiral cleavage. Development. 2017 Jan 1;144(1):54-62.

-Salazar-Ciudad I, Marín-Riera M. Adaptive dynamics under development-based genotype-phenotype maps. Nature. 2013 May 16;497(7449):361-4.

-Salazar-Ciudad I, Jernvall J. A computational model of teeth and the developmental origins of morphological variation. Nature. 2010 Mar 25;464(7288):583-6.

8. Interested candidates should check our group webpage:

http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/salazar/index.html

The center of Excellence webpage:

http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/evodevo/ECDev.html

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In this episode from our centenary series covering 100 ideas in genetics, we’re exploring the dark heart of the genome, untying nature’s shoelaces, and looking back at the discovery of RNA splicing.

This podcast has been going for six months now, and we’d love to know a bit more about you and your thoughts on the show – what episodes have you enjoyed? What topics would you like us to tackle? Do you want to buy some cool swag? Pop over to geneticsunzipped.com/survey to fill in our very short listener survey, and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a signed copy of Kat Arney’s book, Herding Hemingway’s Cats: Understanding how our genes work.

Listen and download now from GeneticsUnzipped.com, plus full show notes and transcripts.

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The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC invites applications to fill a Research Scientist position to conduct in vivo study of craniofacial development, manage research projects, and visualize and disseminate scientific data. The successful candidate will work closely with the FaceBase Consortium to advance the mission of providing a comprehensive resource on craniofacial development for the scientific community. Communication with other investigators at a variety of institutions who are generating data for FaceBase will be required.

Job summary: Serves as a key research scientist who is recognized as a national authority on topics in a specialized field. Plans, designs, and conducts highly technical and complex research projects independently, working under consultative direction toward long-range goals and objectives. May contribute to the development of advanced new concepts, techniques, and standards. Analyzes research data and provides interpretations. Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and prepares technical reports, papers, and/or records. Develops solutions to complex research problems. Provides leadership and direction to staff and/or student workers as needed.

The successful candidate will have the following qualities:

• PhD or equivalent doctorate degree in biology (developmental or molecular); 5 years of experience working and publishing in a research laboratory.
• Training and experience in bioinformatics and the visualization of genomic data obtained through microarray analyses, RNASeq and enhancer analyses
• Outstanding abilities in written and oral communication, including a record of successful publication in academic publications, are essential to this position
• Serves as a liaison between USC faculty/staff and collaborators at other institutions
• Attends meetings, seminars, symposia and other events related to project efforts. Stays informed of developments in field
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time

Please apply online at Careers @ USC (requisition ID 20076407)

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