PhD position in Embryonic Gene Regulation, Tissue Maturation and EcoEvoDevo

100% / start 1.2.2025 or upon agreement

The ‘Laboratory of Regulatory Evolution’ (Tschopp Lab) at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, is welcoming applications for a fully funded PhD student position (https://evolution.unibas.ch/tschopp/index.htm).

Your assignments

The goal of this Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)-funded project is to study the molecular and tissue-scale dynamics during the embryonic formation of the vertebrate skeleton, compare it across different vertebrate species and investigate the role of the embryonic tissue environment and the species’ habitats at large. You will be performing  experimental embryology studies and targeted CRISPR/Cas9 genome modifications, produce and analyze a range of functional single-cell genomics data sets (single-cell RNA-seq, single-cell ATAC-seq single-cell multiome and spatial transcriptomics), and perform evolutionary-comparative studies across species occupying distinct habitats.

(see our preprints at  https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.03.26.586769

and https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.11.28.625862 )

Your profile

We are looking for a motivated and talented candidate with a MSc degree in Molecular, Cellular or Developmental Biology, or a related field. Experience in experimental embryology and/or the execution and analysis of (single-cell) functional genomics experiments are a big plus, as is an interest in comparative developmental (EvoDevo) questions. We are looking for a collaborative and organized person with good communication skills and the desire to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment. Fluency in spoken and written English is a prerequisite.

We offer you

We offer a dynamic and interactive research environment with state-of-the art research facilities, good research funding and internationally competitive salaries. The initial contract will be for 1 year, and can be extended for a maximum of 3 years (full funding available). The proposed starting date is 1.2.2025, or later upon agreement.

The University of Basel (www.unibas.ch) is the oldest university in Switzerland, located in one of Europe’s most important life science hubs at the border between Switzerland, France and Germany. Courses to improve hard and soft skills, as well as career development opportunities are offered by the University.

Application / Contact

Please submit your complete application as pdf files, including a letter of motivation detailing your research interests and experiences, a complete CV and publication record, and contact details of at least two references. Applications must be uploaded to the recruiting portal. For further information please contact Patrick Tschopp (patrick.tschopp@unibas.ch). Review of applications will begin on January 1st 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.