Description

PhD Position

Heart development and regeneration in the zebrafish

The group of Nadia Mercader is interested in understanding the mechanisms of heart development and regeneration. For this, they combine in vivo imaging, genetics and omics approaches using the zebrafish model organism.

Related publications

Downregulation of WT1 transcription factor gene expression is required to promote myocardial fate. Biorxiv. doi: 10.1101/2021.07.06.451274

Adult sox10+ Cardiomyocytes Contribute to Myocardial Regeneration in the Zebrafish. Cell Rep. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.09.041

Wilms Tumor 1b Expression Defines a Pro-regenerative Macrophage Subtype and Is Required for Organ Regeneration in the Zebrafish. Cell Rep. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.091

Model systems for regeneration: zebrafish. Development. doi: 10.1242/dev.167692

Actin dynamics and the Bmp pathway drive apical extrusion of proepicardial cells. Development. doi: 10.1242/dev.174961

Transient fibrosis resolves via fibroblast inactivation in the regenerating zebrafish heart. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1716713115

Tbx5a lineage tracing shows cardiomyocyte plasticity during zebrafish heart regeneration. Nat Commun. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-02650-6

Requirements

MSc Degree in Life Sciences or Biomedical Sciences

Fluent in English, knowledge in German will be a plus

Experience in use of the zebrafish model organisms, genome editing, or Fluorescent Light Microscopy imaging and image analysis

High motivation and team-spirit

We offer

A PhD Position for 3 + 1 years.

A stimulating, cooperative, and supportive environment and close collaboration with international research teams.

Dedicated PhD Specialisation Programs in Cutting Edge Microscopy and Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine.

The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all individuals who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution.

The group is located at the Institute of Anatomy, within the Medical faculty of the University of Bern. It is also embedded into the Bern Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Biomedical Research and Cardiovascular research Cluster Bern that includes several groups working at the University of Bern and University Hospital Inselspital.

Starting date: April 2022 or upon agreement

Please send a curriculum vitae, copy of academic record, statement of experience, letter of motivation and contact information of 2 references to nadia.mercader@unibe.ch (email subject PhD position Mercader group 2022).

www. unibe.ch