Ph.D. Position in Developmental Neurobiology, Ganz Lab, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
The Zebrafish Neurodevelopment Lab (PI: Julia Ganz) at Michigan State University is recruiting highly motivated Ph.D. students interested in working on the development and regeneration of the enteric nervous system.
In the Ganz Lab, we are interested in understanding how a complex nervous system is generated from stem/progenitor cells and how the regeneration of a nervous system is regulated using zebrafish as our model system. In our lab, we focus on the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) that innervates the gut and controls important gut functions, such as gut motility. We use a variety of molecular (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, single-cell RNA-seq, chromatin accessibility techniques) and imaging techniques (e.g. spinning disk microscope) to identify the signals that stem/progenitor cells require to generate different types of neurons and glial cells in the ENS. We are also evaluating how ENS regeneration is regulated.
Possible projects fall within the following research areas in the lab:
How is the generation of neurons and glial cells regulated in the ENS?
Funded by an NSF CAREER award, we are testing candidate genes identified from scRNA-seq screens to identify genes and signaling pathways that play a role in regulating neuronal differentiation or in neuronal subtype specification. We then dissect the molecular and cellular basis of their effect on neuronal or glial differentiation or neuronal subtype specification.
How is regeneration in the ENS regulated?
Using a genetic cell ablation system with spatio-temporal control we will determine the cellular responses after targeted neuronal ablation and the regenerative ability of the ENS. Funded by an NIH grant, we will determine how the regenerative process is regulated – is there a regenerative program or does the regenerative process recapitulate development?
Gene family evolution (shared project with the Braasch Lab at MSU)
In collaboration with the Braasch Lab, we tackle the question: what is the role of gen(om)e duplications and gene losses in generating phenotypic diversity? We focus on gene families that play a role in neural crest and nervous system development/function combining developmental analyses with evolutionary approaches.
Our group is part of the Department of Integrative Biology (IBIO), Neuroscience Program, Genetics Graduate Program, and Cell and Molecular Biology Program, which are both a part of the BMS program at Michigan State University.
MSU IBIO has a strong research commitment to vertebrate biology with a highly collaborative community of groups working on the ENS, gastrointestinal research, development, neuroscience, behavior, genomics, fish evolution, allowing for vibrant exchange among fields, methods, and model systems.
Qualifications: Applicants should have training in biology, neurobiology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, zoology, or related fields. Suitable candidates should be enthusiastic about developmental biology and neurobiology. Previous research experience in a relevant area is desired.
PhD candidates should email Julia Ganz (ganz@msu.edu) well in advance of the MSU Graduate Program application deadlines in early December.
We are looking forward to your application!
Please include the following in your email:
Description of your research interests and how they align with the research interests of my lab
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Names and email contacts of 2-3 references