Host institution: Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MFN), DE
PhD Awarding institution: Humboldt-University Berlin (HUBER), DE
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Carsten Lueter
Project duration: 36 months
Project description: The candidate will conduct an in-depth study of the morphology of the frontal nervous system and esp. apical organs based on serial electron microscopy (TEM, FESEM) to 3D-reconstruct (1) the shape of individual neuronal cells in apical organs and the surrounding nervous system inkl. receptor cells, (2) the interconnection between these and the frontal nervous system, and (3) the overall architecture of these sensory structures. Supported by scRNA-seq data partly gathered during the preceding project EvoCELL, immunohistochemistry and new AI-technologies the candidate will characterize developmental stages of the inarticulate brachiopod Novocrania anomala, to be collected at Bergen, Norway, and compare them to data on other lophophorate and lophotrochozoan groups investigated within work packages 1-4 of the ZooCELL network. The goal is to finally decipher interdependencies between nervous system morphology (plasticity) and developmental and environmental cues in these groups. Additionally, as the MfN coordinates the science outreach part of the project, the candidate will be involved in the setup and maintenance of the project’s homepage and activities related to science communication.
Required applicant profile: The candidate preferably has a background in evolutionary morphology of invertebrates and is familiar with high-resolution microscopy techniques, such as TEM, SEM, CLSM etc. Knowledge in molecular biology and a strong interest in science communication are advantageous.
Application deadline: 15th May 2024
How to apply: For a full job description and to apply to this position visit the following link, see “academic staff” section.
**Applications will be accepted from 1st March 2024**