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 May 2025 or later.
Title:
DRONE – Developing an Extracellular Vesicle Approach for In Vivo Delivery of RNA Origami Nanoscaffolds
Research area and project description:
Have you ever dreamt about homing nanomachines repairing organs from inside your body? This project, funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation, aims at developing a new technology named DRONE that combines 3D "origami" folding of RNA and its subsequent loading into an extracellular vesicle to realize a homing nanomachine out of the test tube.
Our research group employs zebrafish as a model organism for visualizing the biology of cell type-specific extracellular vesicles and for screening naked RNA origami nanoscaffolds that are synthesized in vitro for intravenous injection. This project is a marriage of the two, where we let the extracellular vesicle biology take care of the RNA origami biosynthesis and on-demand delivery of "DRONEs" throughout the body of a living organism. Synergistic interactions within the group are expected to establish the three pillars of our research as a team.
As an integral part of the project, you will start by learning cell and zebrafish methods in genetic engineering. Live imaging of transgenic zebrafish embryos and cryogenic electron microscopy of harvested extracellular vesicles will be the key approaches for characterizing DRONEs in vivo and ex vivo.
At Aarhus University, we have a vibrant network of extracellular vesicle researchers, EVAnet. This local network provides access to relevant infrastructure and exciting opportunities to meet other experts across faculties through regular meetings. Find more details here (https://mbg.au.dk/en/evanet).
For further information about our work, please visit the group webpage (https://mbg.au.dk/yuya-hayashi/).
All applicants are encouraged to contact me well before the application deadline to learn more about the PhD position and its application process.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree (or expected to receive it in good time), for example, in Nanoscience, Molecular Biology, or Chemistry, preferably with a good track record. Knowledge in RNA nanotechnology and/or extracellular vesicle biology is particularly favoured. Previous experience with zebrafish models is a plus, but is not considered a major assessment criterion. However, the successful applicant will have to complete a course for animal experiments to work with animal models (fish and mice).
As this PhD project involves collaborations with multiple laboratories in an interdisciplinary research environment, the following personal qualifications are desirable:
1) Excellent communication skills in English,
2) Ability to work independently, and
3) Curious and self-driven to learn new techniques from collaborators.
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 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Associate Professor Yuya Hayashi, yuya.hayashi@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 December 2024)
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.
