PhD fellowship in Meiofauna Hox Gene Evolution and Patterning

The Department of Biology, marine Biological Section invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in meiofauna development. The PhD scholarship is part of the large-scale research project “Meiofauna genomics” funded by the Carlsberg Foundation. The project will meet the strong need for investigating meiofauna genomics and development to gain a more complete understanding of animal evolution and the resulting geno- and phenotypic diversity in the animal kingdom.



Start date is 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.



The project

Many animals occupy the microscopic realm (i.e., the meiofauna), exhibiting a tiny size but still astonishingly complex behaviors and life strategies. How do animals become small? Which mechanisms allow them to adapt to life in the meiofauna? This PhD project will answer these questions by exploring the genomes of meiofauna animals and their larger, closer relatives. Through comparative genomics and transcriptomics during the life stages of selected meiofauna, we will find signatures of miniaturization in these animals affecting their development and metabolism, which might explain their small size and life cycle strategies. To better understand how their small bodies evolved, we will focus on Hox genes, an ancient gene family involved in the formation of the trunk of all animals with bilateral symmetry. We will combine computational with experimental analyses of gene expression (e.g., in situ hybridization) to characterize the Hox gene complement of meiobenthic lineages, as well as the timing and pattern of expression of these genes during their embryogenesis. Together, this PhD project will address fundamental questions in animal evolution while combining multiple approaches (field collections, theory, computational and experimental biology) to understand the biological principles underpinning animal miniaturization.

The PhD candidate is expected to participate in the design of experiments, conduct fieldwork collecting meiofauna, and perform bioinformatic analyses and In Situ Hybridization experiments. The project will involve one or several research stays abroad, e.g., with collaborator José M. Martín-Durán at Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.



Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates with keen interest and relevant experience in evolution, development, In Situ gene expression studies, invertebrate morphology, meiofauna, transcriptomics/genomics, or related fields.



Our group and research

Daily work will be based in the thriving research environment of the Marine Biological Section, part of the Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. The Worsaae lab investigates questions pertaining to the evolution of Metazoa using phylogenomics, advanced microscopy and comparative genomic approaches. We study a range of microscopic invertebrates across the animal tree of life to understand how their diversity arose and has been shaped through evolution. The main focus is on meiofauna (microscopic) animals and miniaturization pathways to small and ‘simple’ body design.

We offer creative and stimulation working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment, including modern laboratories and computing facilities.

University of Copenhagen moreover houses the International Staff Mobility Office that can assist with matters related to moving to Denmark.



Principal supervisor is Professor Katrine Worsaae, Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, [email protected]. Co-supervisor is José M. Martín-Durán, Queen Mary University of London, [email protected].



Qualifications needed for the regular PhD programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g., evolution, development, invertebrate morphology, In situ/HCR gene expression, transcriptomics/genomics, or related fields. For information of eligibility of completed MSc programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.



Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant and supervisors.

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure



Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications

Applicants should have a MSc degree in one of the fields outlined above, as well as:

• Strong motivation for doctoral studies, ability to work both independently and in a team, and creativity in problem-solving
• An interest in Metazoan evolution, meiofauna, evo-devo, and transcriptomics
• Experience in data analysis, preferably of biological sequence data such as transcriptomes
• Excellent English speaking, reading and writing skills
• Embrace of an international research environment and interdisciplinary research
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, In Situ Hybridization/ HCR) is advantageous, but not required
• Experience with invertebrate anatomy and/or development is advantageous, but not required
• Relevant scientific publications are advantageous, but not required

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.



Please include:

1. Cover letter (max. one page), detailing your motivation and background for applying for the PhD project
2. Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
3. Copies of relevant diplomas and transcripts (Master and Bachelor)
4. Publication list (if any)
5. Reference letters (if available)

The deadline for applications is 13 November 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

​We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above-mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates will be held via zoom from mid-December 2024 to early January 2025.



Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor Professor Katrine Worsaae, Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, via email at [email protected].

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.



The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.