PhD Candidate (f/m/d) | Role of Endothelial Factors in Cardiac Regeneration Mechanisms in Zebrafish

Job Code: 2022_26

Job Offer from October 14, 2022

The Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim (near Frankfurt, Germany), Department of Developmental Genetics (Prof. Dr. Didier Stainier) is looking for a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate to study the endocardial-myocardial crosstalk during cardiac regeneration in zebrafish, Ref. 2022_26. 

The adult human/mammalian hearts have a limited capacity for repair following injury while zebrafish exhibit a robust cardiac renewal capacity and the ability to completely regenerate their heart, post injury or amputation.  Therefore, mechanistic and functional insights derived from the regenerative-repair-based mechanisms of zebrafish are ideal to uncover pro-regenerative mechanisms that could boost cardiac repair in humans.  The endocardial tissue, though speculated to participate in efficient restoration of lost cardiomyocytes and functional myocardium, still remains underexplored for its precise mechanisms and functions during cardiac regeneration.  Recently, we identified several endocardial factors that may be crucial in promoting cardiac regeneration.  Through the use of high-throughput multi-omic techniques, loss- and gain-of-function based zebrafish and mouse genetic models, and advanced microscopy, this project will uncover the lesser-known roles of the dynamic endocardium and investigate endo-myocardial crosstalk, during different stages of cardiac regeneration.  For more information, please see related publications:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31743664
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28242613
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35864193

Required Qualifications

Candidates holding or anticipating to receive before starting, a university masters degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) are eligible to apply.  A masters degree in biology, biochemistry or a similar subject with a focus on molecular biology, cell biology, or biochemistry is preferred.  Experience in zebrafish work is a plus. 

About The Employer

The Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim is an interdisciplinary research institution with international flair.  Our researchers have the opportunity to work on various model systems by making use of the latest cutting-edge technologies.  Researchers are supported by state-of-the-art core facilities which offer services in next-generation sequencing, proteomics, bioinformatics, cytometry, microscopy, and small animal imaging.  The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality; we welcome applications from all backgrounds.  Furthermore, the Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Recruitment Timeline And How To Apply

Applications will be evaluated upon submission.  The expected start date is flexible (at the earliest possible date). To apply, please submit the names and contact information for 2-3 references, a CV, a short (1 page) letter of motivation of your research experience and interests to Dr. Pooja Sagvekar, [email protected] . 

Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
Department of Developmental Genetics
Ludwigstraße 43
61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
[email protected]
https://www.mpi-hlr.de/46552/developmental-genetics