PhD Position in Gene Regulatory Evolution

Diversity in complex organisms arises through differences in development. Evolutionary novelties like the enlarged human brain are often due to changes in the expression of developmental genes. But these changes can be subtle and large numbers of genes and their regulatory elements are involved, making this process difficult to understand. Research in the lab of Dr Severin Uebbing uses functional genomics to study how changes in gene regulation have generated species-specific biology.

Your job

Become part of a multidisciplinary research team studying multiple aspects of gene regulation in development and evolution. The aim of your PhD project is to study the effects of gene regulatory elements involved in evolutionary change using high-throughput functional genomics combined with genome editing. Objects of the project include:

• generating cell models to study gene regulation in neurodevelopment;
• massively parallel characterisation of regulatory element activity;
• development of tools to assay gene regulatory effects by genome editing.

Your qualities

We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague who aligns with the following criteria:

• a Master's degree in Biology or a related discipline – if you did not complete your MSc yet, please indicate in your application letter when you are likely to graduate;
• demonstrable experience in basic molecular biology;
• skills in genomics, computational biology/bioinformatics, and cell culture techniques are an asset;
• proficiency in academic English, both spoken and written.

Our offer

We offer:

• a position for four years;
• a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.