PhD Position: Ageing, Embryos & Epigenetics (m/f/d)

The research group of Christof Niehrs offers the following PhD project:

Ageing is commonly believed to start in adulthood. However, there is increasing evidence that organismic ageing begins already during embryonic development. For example, analyses Down syndrome shows pronounced acceleration of ageing markers already in fetal stages, similar to adult tissues. This indicates that mechanisms of ageing may be productively studied during embryogenesis.

PhD project: Ageing, Embryos & Epigenetics

You will study the role of progeria genes, which lead to premature ageing, in frog (Xenopus) embryos. We have recently shown that epignetic clock is applicable to frogs as it is in humans (Zoller et al., 2023). Using epignetic clock analysis, you will characterize cellular ageing and senescence in developing frog tissues using immunofluorescence microscopy. You will analyze epigenetic profiles in premature ageing embryos by Next Generation Sequencing, to understand the molecular network involved in these phenotypes. You will learn to analyze these Big Data by bioinformatic analysis. You will work in a team of developmental biologists and bioinformaticians. The successful candidate will have a strong background in Molecular or Developmental Biology to study ageing-related phenotype in embryos. You will apply techniques including embryo culture, microinjection, RNA in situ hybridisation, confocal microscopy, Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatics data analysis.


If you are interested in this project, please select Niehrs (Ageing) as your group preference in the IPP application platform.

Are you an ambitious, young scientist looking to push the boundaries of research while interacting with colleagues from multiple disciplines and cultures? Then joining the IPP is your opportunity to give your scientific career a flying start!
All you need is:

• Master or equivalent
• Interactive personality & good command of English
• 2 letters of reference

• Exciting, interdisciplinary projects in a lively international environment, with English as our working language
• Advanced training in scientific techniques and professional skills
• Access to our state-of-the-art Core Facilities and their technical expertise
• Fully funded positions with financing until the completion of your thesis
• A lively community of more than 200 PhD students from 44 different countries

For more details on the projects offered and how to apply via our online form, please visit www.imb.de/phd.

The deadline for applications is 24 October 2024. Interviews will take place at IMB in Mainz on 20-22 January 2025.
Starting date: 1 March 2025 - 1 July 2025