Host institution and PhD Awarding institution: Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) – Heidelberg University, DE.

Primary Supervisor:  Prof. Dr. Gaspar Jekely.

Project duration: 36 months.

Project description: The project will offer in-depth training in the volume electron microscopy (vEM) of marine larvae. One goal will be to obtain a high-quality full-body EM volume of a six-day-old Platynereis dumerilii juvenile and analyse the volume in collaboration with other students of the network. The successful candidate will also be instrumental in coordinating other vEM projects in the network. The project will also include extensive data analysis, including skeletonisation, working with volume-segmented data, cell-type and connectome annotation, and network analysis. The project will inform the evolution of larval form and sensory cell types.

Required applicant profile: Applicants should have a Masters degree in science, preferably in Biology. Practical experience in molecular, cell or developmental biology, microscopy and/or image analysis will be an advantage. Strongly motivated students from other disciplines (e.g. physics, biophysics) are also encouraged to apply. Applicants should be able to communicate fluently in English. German language skills are not required.

Application deadline: Provisional deadline is 31st October 2024, but we will be reviewing and processing applications as they are received.

How to apply: Please send the following documents as a single PDF to gaspar.jekely@cos.uni-heidelberg.de

  • A motivation letter describing your research interests and why you apply for the position
  • Your Curriculum Vitae
  • MSc&BSc diploma incl. Grade Transcripts
  • Contact details of two referees