Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Molecular Biology and Genetics programme. The position is available from January 2026.
Title:
Enhanced embryo competence of diapausing species
Research area and project description:
Embryonic diapause is a fascinating reproductive strategy, in which pre-implantation embryos of over 130 mammalian species reversibly pause prior to implantation. These species include the European roe deer, the tammar wallaby and even the mouse. Embryos of these species pause from several days up to 11 months. Intriguingly, diapausing species have exceptionally high pregnancy rates. This suggests that the embryo is efficiently kept safe from deleterious external effects, contributing to pregnancy success.
Mouse embryos can pause in vivo, but also in vitro through chemical inhibition of the cellular nutrient sensor mTOR. In this project, you will use mouse embryonic diapause as a model to study the molecular mechanisms safeguarding developmental competence of the pausing embryo. Moreover, your findings will shed light on how embryonic diapause protects the developing embryo against deleterious effects of environmental pollutants.
The candidate is required to upload his/her own project description, the project description should be maximally 2 pages (Arial, font size 12, line spacing of 1.15) including references and should include an introduction, aim, a brief description of two key experiments and outcome.
Qualifications and specific competences:
As an applicant, you should hold a Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Molecular Biology, or similar. Together with a fellow PhD student working on the maternal side of reproductive success, you will be the first generation of PhD students in the lab of Vera van der Weijden. You will be part of international research lab, in which the language of communication is English. You are invited to bring your excitement for cellular dormancy and contribute to weekly lab meetings to exchange with other lab members.You should have an affinity with data analysis and previous experience with mammalian cell culture, cloning, confocal microscopy, RNA interference or targeted protein degradation, and cellular dormancy is beneficial.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 83, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Dr. Vera van der Weijden, vvdw@mbg.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 June 2025)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
