2 PhD positions in the laboratory of Professor Claudio Stern FRS Up to 2 PhD studentship positions are available in Professor Stern’s lab in the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University College London (UCL), for the following projects: 1. Dissecting the molecular hierarchy of neural induction. In response to signals from a special region, the “organizer”, embryonic cells become directed to form the nervous system. The process involves hierarchical steps, where sets of genes regulate each other. The project involves using RNAseq, ChIPseq and NanoString technology coupled with in vivo experiments to untangle this hierarchy and build a model for the gene regulatory network underlying this important process. 2. Gastrulation and twinning. During gastrulation, the first body axis of the embryo is laid down, and cells move around to generate 3 tissue layers: ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. The process therefore involves coordination of cell behaviours with cell fate decisions. Higher vertebrate embryos have the unique ability to generate twins from a single embryo: isolated portions of embryos can each give rise to a complete individual, which is how identical twins arise. This is like an extreme case of “regeneration”. Several possible projects are available in this area, ranging from studying the control of cell movements using modern imaging techniques, to dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying polarity and twinning using RNAseq and ChIP seq, and various combinations of these to understand how twinning and cell movement are coordinated. Students of any nationality are welcome to apply. Partial studentships (for fees and/or stipend) may be available for suitable candidates. Applicants should have at least a 2.1 Hons. (or equivalent) BSc degree in a relevant subject and some experience of working in a lab (eg. Honours or Masters dissertation project). Applications should consist of a CV, a statement of your research interests and the names and addresses of 2 academic referees and should be sent by email to [email protected] with cc. to [email protected]. Deadline for applications: Friday 28 February 2014. Start date: September 2014. Lab web site: www.ucl.ac.uk/cdb/research/stern