The Laboratory of Dr. Collin Y. Ewald, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, at ETH Zurich has an opening for a fully funded
PhD Position
The aim of the project is to determine the molecular mechanism(s) that prolong health during aging, using the nematode C. elegans, in order to develop novel strategies to treat age-related pathologies. Aging is the major risk factor for developing diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Our recent work has shown that many health- and longevity-promoting interventions re-activate the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes during aging (Ewald et al., Nature 2015, PMID:25517099). This ECM enhancement is required and sufficient for extending the lifespan of C. elegans.
The successful applicant will join our research efforts to explore this novel and exciting mechanism of how prolonged ECM homeostasis promotes healthy aging. Studies will employ molecular biology, genetic screening, fluorescent microscopy, Western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), CRISPR-Cas9 and transgenic C. elegans strain engineering, quantitative RT-PCR, RNA-sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and C. elegans longevity assays. The highly motivated candidate should have great enthusiasm for aging research, the ability to creatively solve problems, and a Master of Science in molecular biology, biochemistry, or genetics. Prior experience with C. elegans is not required.
For further information please contact Dr. Collin Ewald at collin-ewald@ethz.ch (no application documents) or visit our website http://ewaldlab.strikingly.com/.
We are looking forward to receive your online application. It should include a CV (with publication list), academic transcripts, a 1pg motivation letter (stating research experiences, the interest to work on this project, and the reason to join the ETH PhD program). Furthermore, please provide the contact information of three potential referees. Please send it to: ETH Zurich, Human Resources, Mrs. Nadja Lang, CH-8092 Zurich.
Please, use this link to apply:
https://apply.refline.ch/845721/4590/pub/1/index.html