Available positions

PhD position in the Boxem group

Cell polarity – the asymmetric distribution of components and functions within a cell along a directional axis – is a fundamental property of cells that is present across the kingdoms of life. Most cells need to distribute proteins, organelles, and functions along an axis of polarity in order to carry out their specialised functions and organise the 3D multicellular body. The PhD position is part of the PhD Training network SurfEx, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (EU programme for doctoral education).

The project uses the nematode C. elegans as a model system. Within this animal model, the polarisation of cells can be followed with single cell resolution, and polarity regulators can be studied using the advanced genetic toolkit available, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering to generate mutants and inducible degradation variants, to be able to inactivate candidates in specific cells and at specific times in development. The aim of this project is to identify and characterise novel components involved in the polarisation and specialisation of the apical surface of intestinal epithelial cells.

Objectives of the project include:

• identifying components of the terminal web and brushing border in elegans using proximity labelling proteomics with baits localised at the microvilli tip, core or base, and the terminal web;
• validation of candidate components: likely novel components of the apical exchange surface (ranked through bioinformatics approaches) will be endogenously tagged with fluorescent proteins via CRISPR/Cas9, and their subcellular localisation will be examined by spinning disc confocal microscopy;
• detailed functional analysis of validated candidates using the advanced genetic toolkit available in elegans, including inducible protein degradation to inactivate candidates in the intestine only and at specific times in development.

SurfEx brings together 8 labs/industrial partners aiming to gain a new understanding of how the apical exchange surface of epithelial cells is formed and functions in health and disease. As one of the 12 doctoral candidates within the SurfEx network, you will have the opportunity to work with leading academics and industrial partners from across Europe, gaining valuable experience in international collaboration and cutting-edge research. You will also benefit from a comprehensive training programme that includes workshops, courses, and secondments, all aimed at enhancing your research and professional skills.

For more information or to apply, click here (deadline July. 16).