The research group of the department (Prof. Dr. Christiane Zweier) focuses on the clinical, genetic and functional characterization of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including intellectual disability and epilepsy. Neurodevelopmental disorders are an important health concern affecting 2-3% of the population and are clinically and genetically extremely heterogeneous. Understanding the underlying causes and pathomechanisms is crucial to path the way for development of targeted therapies.
The challenge
The successful applicant will be involved in an SNF-funded research project entitled “Multiple genetic diagnoses as a window into pathomechanisms of Rare Diseases”.
The project aims at
1) characterizing the landscape of multiple diagnosis in patients with rare disorders and
2) investigating functional interactions between concurrently mutated genes to better understand underlying pathomechanisms for individual diseases as well as for oligogenicity and genetic modifiers. The experimental spectrum of the PhD projects will include classic molecular and genetic methods as well as in vivo and in vitro model systems such as Drosophila melanogaster and iPSC-derived and other cell-based systems.
Your profile
Applicants should hold a master's degree in biomedical or molecular sciences, Biology or related fields, preferably with background knowledge in neurobiology and/or genetics. Expertise in working with Drosophila melanogaster or stem cells would be advantageous. We are looking for highly motivated, interactive and team-oriented candidates with a high degree of self-initiative and inventiveness
The package
We offer an interesting and challenging project in a young and dynamic team, and a creative research environment with a broad spectrum of methodology and further advanced training opportunities. The applicant will have the opportunity to join the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB) to complement her/his training.
Application and contact
For subject-specific questions and information about the position, please contact: Prof. Dr. Dr. Christiane Zweier, christiane.zweier@insel.ch
Please send your application with the usual documents electronically by no later than 30/04/2025 to the following e-mail address: christiane.zweier@insel.ch
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