PhD student (M/F) in Developmental Biology (EvoDevo)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Whilst the role of several signalling pathways in the development of the nervous system has already been documented in the amphioxus, their contribution to neurogenesis — that is, the generation and diversification of neuronal cell types — remains largely unknown at the transcriptomic and cellular levels. This project aims to address this gap by studying the functions of four intercellular signalling pathways during amphioxus development: Notch, Wnt, BMP and Hedgehog (Hh). The research is structured around three complementary objectives:
(1) To define the roles of these pathways in neural development using a pharmacological approach combined with phenotypic characterisation and in situ hybridisation of marker genes.
(2) To identify the target genes of these pathways through high-throughput transcriptomic sequencing (high-throughput RNA-seq) of treated samples compared with control samples, followed by differential analyses and validation via in situ hybridisation.
(3) To characterise, at the cellular level, the developmental trajectories controlled by these pathways using a single-nucleus transcriptomic approach (single-nucleus RNA-seq), thereby enabling the construction of a cellular atlas of the amphioxus nervous system.
This project therefore draws on approaches from developmental biology and comparative transcriptomics. The PhD student's (M/F) responsibilities will therefore be:
- To oversee the rearing and spawning of adults and the culture of amphioxus embryos and larvae
- To carry out pharmacological treatments on cultures of amphioxus embryos and larvae
- To set up phenotypic characterisation, as well as in situ hybridisation procedures
- Managing the experimental implementation of bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq protocols
- Analysing bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq data using bioinformatics
- Corroborating bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq data with in vivo experiments in amphioxus
- Present research findings at collaborative meetings and international conferences
- Draft reports and scientific articles for publication in prestigious journals
- Write a PhD thesis for Sorbonne University
- Provide support for other projects within the team

Your Work Environment

The project will be carried out within the EvoInSiDe team at the Laboratory of Developmental Biology in Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV) (UMR 7009 — CNRS/Sorbonne University). The PhD student (M/F) will therefore have access to the facilities of the Villefranche-sur-Mer Developmental Biology Laboratory (LBDV), as well as to the platforms of the Villefranche Marine Institute (IMEV) (marine research facilities, microscopy, molecular biology, bioinformatics). The PhD student (M/F) will be supervised by Michael Schubert, a research director at the CNRS, who co-leads the EvoInSiDe team. The PhD project will be affiliated with the Complexité du Vivant doctoral school (ED 515) at Sorbonne University. The PhD student (M/F) will therefore have access to the doctoral training programmes offered by Sorbonne University. This project is funded by the ANR (French National Research Agency), as part of the ASYMMETRIX research project (ANR-25-CE13-2434-02).

Constraints and risks

The project involves experimental work in molecular biology, including the handling of non-pathogenic biological samples, RNA and chemical reagents. It also involves the use of laboratory equipment, in particular microscopy and potentially sequencing, following appropriate training in procedures and health and safety rules. No specific risks beyond those usually associated with a molecular biology laboratory are anticipated. However, the candidate must adhere to safety protocols and best practice when carrying out laboratory work. As amphioxus reproduce seasonally, working hours during the breeding season may differ from the usual schedule. In addition to scientific tasks, travel outside the laboratory to collect animals may be required.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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