Host and PhD Awarding institution: University of Exeter (UNIEXE)

Primary Supervisor: Dr. Elizabeth Williams

Project duration: 36 months.

Project description: This project will compare the head sensory systems (antennae, cirri, nuchal organ) of closely related nereid polychaete species Platynereis dumerilii and Platynereis massiliensis. Platynereis dumerilii has free-swimming larvae while Platynereis massiliensis shows direct development. Initial studies indicated that sensory structures in P. massiliensis are reduced, for example, they lack antennae. The PhD candidate will analyse an available synapse-resolution serial EM dataset of a Platynereis dumerilii larva and obtain and analyse an EM series of an equivalent stage Platynereis massiliensis larva in collaboration with Professor Gaspar Jekely’s group at the University of Heidelberg. All neurons projecting from sensory head appendages will be reconstructed in both species. Synaptic connectivity maps will be complemented by the comprehensive mapping of conserved proneuropeptides and neurotransmitters and their receptors by a combination of immunostaining and hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The PhD candidate will also generate an atlas of neuroendocrine and nervous system markers in P. massiliensis for comparison with existing data from P. dumerilii. The candidate will compare cellular phenotypes at nanometer resolution between the two species with benthic vs pelagic development and correlate this with neuroendocrine molecular maps. To dissect inter-specific functional differences, the candidate will use neuropeptide pharmacology in both species. By comparing nervous system morphology and signalling in closely related pelagic and direct developing polychaete larval types, this project will contribute to our understanding of the evolution of larval sensory systems for navigation in the sea.

Required applicant profile: Applicants should have a Masters or First Class Honours degree in science, preferably in Biology, or equivalent qualifications. Practical experience in molecular, cell or developmental biology, microscopy (electron microscopy, confocal microscopy), behavioural and/or image analysis will be an advantage, however training for specific techniques will also be provided on the project. Applicants should have a strong enthusiasm for larval biology, sensory systems, evolution, development and/or marine biology and be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Application deadline: 14^th April 2024 

How to apply: Applications should be submitted online. Interested candidates may contact Elizabeth Williams (e.williams2@exeter.ac.uk) to discuss the post.

Host and PhD Awarding institution: University College London (UCL), UK

Primary Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Max Telford

Project duration: 36 months.

Project description: Many marine animal species have indirect development via a larval stage – this is particularly true of the phyla within the major clade of Lophotrochozoa. These larvae are, at least superficially, similar across phyla but their homology is uncertain. The student will compare a distinctive larval feature that is similar across lophotrochozoan larvae – the apical organ. The student will analyse individual component cells of apical organs of multiple animal phyla (with a focus on the flatworm Prostheceraeus crozieri and the phoronid Phoronis mueller) they will characterise gene expression, cellular phenotype and connections between these cells and with other cells (eye spots, ciliary bands etc.). Demonstration of complex similarities would support homology of this larval structure across phyla. Broader comparisons will be made possible by collaboration across the network. The student will also be able to participate in work to resolve the phylogeny of the Lophotrochozoa.

Required applicant profile:

•       Experience in molecular biology and embryology methods is essential
•       Electron microscopy and bioinformatics are advantageous
•       A background in evolutionary biology is beneficial.
•       A high motivation and passion for science is essential.

Application deadline: 30th June 2024.

How to apply: To apply for this position, visit the following link.
When applying you will be asked to supply: a cover letter, your Curriculum Vitae and MSc & BSc diploma incl. Grade Transcripts.

Host: European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), DE.

PhD Awarding institution: Heidelberg University (UHEI), DE.

Primary Supervisor: Dr.Yannick Schwab.

Project duration: 36 months.

Project description: The morphome quantitatively describes morphological diversity at multiple scales: At the subcellular level, the set of organelles, their arrangement and associations define functional units that are relevant to cell types (e.g. sarcomeres in muscles, secretory granules in gland cells). The correlation of expression profiles to ultrastructural phenotypes has so far been very difficult. In this project,  will focus on the development of tools to bridge scRNAseq to volume Electron Microscopy (vEM), with the specific goal to identify cell types by their expression profile and target these for detailed sub-cellular description by vEM and subsequent image analysis. Within the consortium, collaborations will lead to the investigation of a few model systems (D.Priapulus, Novocrania, and/or Acanthochitona), with a strong focus on the planula larva of the hydrozoan Clytia, in close collaboration with the group of Evelyn Houliston  (CNRS-IMEV). The PhD candidate will  i) develop correlative in-situ hybridisation and transmission EM workflow to identify cell types and to then ii) further their morphological characterisation by acquiring vEM datasets and iii) performing detailed image analyses (in collaboration the Kreshuk lab). Resulting in a detailed description of the subcellular landscape, iv) parallels will be sought with the corresponding single-cell transcriptomes.

Application deadline: 11^th March 2024

How to apply: Candidates shall apply via the EMBL International PhD program at the following link and express their interest in this position within the group of Yannick Schwab.

Host  institution and PhD Awarding institution: Uppsala University (UU), SE

Primary Supervisor:  Dr. Graham Budd

Co- Supervisor: Dr. Ralf Janssen

Project duration: 36 months

Project description: The priapulid worms are a particularly interesting group as they are large and very poorly studied; furthermore, they bear a close resemblance to worms present in the Cambrian fossil record. In order to elucidate the origin of derived ecdysozoan anterior systems, DC8 will therefore study the detailed cellular morphology of the anterior of the priapulid worm Priapulus caudatus, using electron microscopy (array tomography SEM, TEM, DESEM). DC8 will also generate a single-cell transcriptomic dataset for Priapulus. The data on its cellular morphology thus obtained will then be compared to EM data on other ecdysozoans, notably the worm C. elegans, and the onychophoran Euperipatoides. In particular, the structure of the nervous system and any sensory structures, essentially unknown up to now, will be characterised and compared in a phylogenetic context. This project will be placed within an evolutionary framework informed by the excellent fossil record of ecdysozoan evolution in the Cambrian.

Required applicant profile: Applicants should have a Masters degree in science, preferably in Biology. Practical experience in microscopy and/or image analysis will be an advantage. Strongly motivated students from other disciplines (e.g. palaeobiology) are also encouraged to apply. Applicants should be able to communicate fluently in English.

Application deadline: 5^th March 2024

How to apply: Interested candidates in the first place should contact Graham Budd (graham.budd@pal.uu.se) who will direct them to the appropriate link when it is available.

Host: European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), DE

PhD Awarding institution: Heidelberg University (UHEI), DE.

Primary Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Detlev Arendt

Project duration: 36 months

Project description: Our aim to elucidate the evolution of the bilaterian brain requires an in-depth understanding of the sensory cell types that innervate the distinct ancient brain parts such as the mechanosensory girdle and the apical nervous system. We will study the evolution of sensory cell types, with a strong emphasis on head mechanosensory cells and chemo-/photosensory-secretory cells of the apical nervous system. We will focus on marine animal model systems that exhibit a differentiated nervous system at life cycle stages composed of relatively few cells so that whole-body cellular resolution can be obtained, as already shown for the annelid P. dumerilii and as also manifest for pre- and postmetamorphic stages of the chiton Acanthochitona crinita and juvenile nemerteans, which together represent a broad range of Lophotrochozoa phyla and will be studied here. For these animals, we will attempt to create whole-body cellular atlases for pre- and postmetamorphic juveniles in P. dumerlii and A. crinita, and for juvenile nemerteans, in collaboration with other ZooCELL doctoral candidates. This effort will combine gene expression and ultrastructural information for the entire body, as a prerequisite for the identification of coregulated gene sets correlating with co-occurring morphofeatures together with DC1 (EMBL). This way the project aims to find and define conserved cellular functional modules characteristic for mechanosensory and sensory-secretory cell types.

*Application closed*

Host  institution: Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon (IGFL)- CNRS, FR.

PhD Awarding institution: École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENSL), FR. 

Supervisors:  Dr. Michalis Averof and Dr. Mathilde Paris.

Project duration: 36 months.

Project description: Arthropod legs are multi-purpose organs, containing diverse cell types involved in sensing (e.g. sensory organ neurons, glia and accessory cells), locomotion (muscles, tendons, joints), protection and immunity (epidermis, blood cells), as well as numerous cell types with unknown functions. The recruited PhD student will generate a multimodal cell atlas, integrating the molecular profiles of more than 15 distinct cell types that make up the arthropod leg with ultrastructural data, and will identify the functions and evolutionary relationships of these diverse cells.

The student will accomplish this in the crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis, which we have already started to explore using scanning electron microscopy and single-cell transcriptomics. Parhyale legs contain more than 15 cell clusters discovered by single-nucleus RNAseq, corresponding to epidermal, neuronal, muscle and blood cells, as well as several yet unknown/uncharacterized cell types. The student will study the Parhyale leg at subcellular resolution using multi-beam SEM, to identify cell types based on ultrastructure, and will associate each of these with the corresponding transcriptional signatures using correlative light and electron microscopy approaches. Microanatomy and transcriptional profiles will provide a rich set of features for exploring the identities of these cells, their functions, and their relationships to the cells of other animals. Genetic tools such as transgene-mediated cell ablation or CRISPR-mediated gene knock-outs (already established in Parhyale) will be used to test the functions of selected cell types and the role of key regulators that define them.

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 should also apply. Applicants should be able to communicate fluently in English.

Application deadline: 15^th March 2024

How to apply: To apply for this position, visit the following link. Applicants should submit a motivation letter and a CV in English.

Host  institution: Institut de la Mer de Villefranche (IMEV), FR

PhD Awarding institution: Sorbonne University (SU), FR 

Primary Supervisor:  Dr. Evelyn Houliston.

Co- Supervisor: Dr. Richard Copley.

Project duration: 36 months.

Project Description: Sensory cells around the aboral pole of the hydrozoan Clytia planula larva mediate responses to environmental cues, but their precise nature and function are unknown. DC4 will relate differences in gene transcription between Clytia planula sensory cell types to morphology, function and developmental history. S/he will characterise the structure and organisation of specific types of Clytia planula neural and neurosensory cell, defining their distinct morphological features by light microscopy techniques in combination with vEM (collaboration with other network fellows/EMBL). S/he will extend scRNA-seq datasets to find drivers and effectors of (i) mature cell type identity, (ii) morphology, and (iii) fate specification, determining the function of specific transcription factors identified by these comparisons, and of the corresponding cell types, using gene knockdown approaches. S/he will collaborate with the other network partners to compare cell type genotype/phenotype across species.

Required applicant profile:   Strong motivation for questioning biological mechanisms and concepts. Training in cell, molecular and developmental biology preferred. Bioinformatics skills would be an advantage

Application deadline:  Provisional deadline is 30^th April 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 evelyn.houliston@imev-mer.fr and richard.copley@imev-mer.fr

• A Cover letter. 
• Your Curriculum Vitae.