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 August 2026 or later.
Title:
Germline-specific transcription factor paralogs in animal germ cell development and fertility
Research area and project description:
The research group
In the Andersen Lab — Laboratory on Genetic Innovation (https://mbg.au.dk/pan), we study the molecular mechanisms of genome regulation in animal germline cells. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system, we combine biochemistry, proteomics, genetics, and genomics to uncover how germ cells regulate their genomes to enable sexual reproduction.
Animal germ cells are the sole carriers of genetic information across generations. Recent discoveries — including our own — have revealed that germ cells exploit gene duplications (paralogs) of core transcription factors to fundamentally alter their genome regulation. Such germline-expressed transcription factor paralogs have evolved recurrently across animal lineages, are often essential for fertility, and yet the molecular mechanisms by which they reshape transcription remain poorly understood.
The Project
Recent discoveries have revealed that germ cells exploit gene duplications (paralogs) of core transcription factors to fundamentally alter their genome regulation. Despite being essential for fertility across species — from flies to humans — the molecular mechanisms underlying this paralog-based regulation remain poorly understood.
This PhD project is part of the PARAGLIDE research programme (funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation), which investigates how germline-expressed transcription factor paralogs reshape genome regulation to enable germ cell development in Drosophila melanogaster. The project aims to uncover the composition and architecture of germline-specific transcription factor complexes using biochemical and proteomic approaches, and to study the functional connections between paralog complexes. We shape the forward direction of the project together.
The project uses the fruit fly as a powerful in vivo model for animal germline biology and benefits from a strong network of international collaborations.
If you find this exciting, then apply to come help us solve how enigmatic transcription modes underlie animal fertility!
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.
Qualifications and specific competences:
- Applicants must hold a Master's degree (or be near completion) in a relevant field such as: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, or Biophysics.
- Applicants should have a strong interest in gene regulation, chromatin biology, or germline biology, and a motivation to acquire expertise in genetics, proteomics, and genomics.
- Applicants must have good communication skills and the ability to work both collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and independently.
- Applicants must have proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
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, Peter Andersen, pra@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 March 2026)
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.
