Short-term Early Stage Researcher (MSCA)

Identification of piRNAs and microRNAs involved in sea urchin germ line specification

A 12 month short term fellowship is available under the supervision of Maria Ina Arnone at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN) in Napoli, Italy, within the Marie Curie ITN “EvoCELL” (https://www.evocell-itn.eu). The preferred starting date is 1st October 2019.

General information on the EvoCELL Network

EvoCELL is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network addressing the evolution of cell types using a diverse array of vertebrates and invertebrates. The network unites 8 academic and 2 non-academic organisations from 6 European countries. It provides a multi-disciplinary and international environment with training opportunities and exchange between the Network members. The labs in the network are using single-cell and tissue genomic techniques, merging them with more traditional approaches. All fellows will also contribute to scientific outreach and communication to a wider public as a fundamental part of the project. Applications are invited from excellent candidates seeking training in the field of animal evolution from a cell-type perspective. For general information on the EvoCELL short term fellowships see: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/377512

Project description

Main objective of this project will be the production of small RNA libraries from small micromere descendant dissociated cells in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus to search for and characterize piRNAs and microRNAs involved in germ line specification. The work will involve sea urchin germ cell isolation, library construction, sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 mediated knock-out of key small micromere specific regulatory genes. Applicants should have some experience in molecular biology, developmental biology and/or genetics. Previous experience in sea urchin embryos and CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing approaches would be preferred but are not required.