This PhD position at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) Faculty of Biology focuses on developing antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatments for MAST1-associated epilepsy, a severe chronic neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide. The project investigates how pathogenic mutations in the MAST1 gene, which encodes a serine/threonine kinase, contribute to epilepsy through a gain-of-function mechanism. The research will utilize modified ASOs to target these mutations, aiming to mitigate their effects. The experimental platform is based on human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) engineered to carry MAST1 mutations. These cells will be used to generate cerebral organoids, or 'mini-brains,' which model key aspects of human brain development and recapitulate epileptic phenotypes. The student will collaborate with industry partners and gain expertise in advanced 3D cell culture, physiological methods, and single cell sequencing. The position offers comprehensive training in disease modeling, cell biology, and neuroscience, preparing the candidate for a career at the intersection of academic and commercial science. Funding is provided through the LSM-CSC/DAAD-GSSP program, likely covering tuition and a stipend. Applicants should have a background in biology, neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, or related fields, and be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary environment. Applications are to be submitted via the Graduate School Life Science Munich (LSM) online portal. For further details, candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Dr David Keays and visit the research group website.

This PhD position at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) Faculty of Biology offers an exciting opportunity to investigate marsupial brain development using cutting-edge cerebral organoid technology. The project, supervised by Prof. Dr David Keays, aims to address the gap in our understanding of vertebrate brain development by focusing on marsupials, specifically koalas and kangaroos. Traditionally, most research in this field has relied on rodent models, but recent advances now allow for the generation of cerebral organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The successful candidate will create iPSCs from koala and kangaroo fibroblasts and use these to generate 3D cellular models of the brain. The research will explore the differences between the smooth (lissencephalic) koala brain and the highly folded (gyrified) kangaroo brain, with a particular focus on the number and type of neuronal progenitors. The student will gain expertise in cellular reprogramming, cell culture, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, single cell sequencing, and histological methods. The project is funded by LSM-CSC/ DAAD-GSSP (LSM), and applications should be submitted via the Graduate School Life Science Munich (LSM) online portal. The ideal candidate will be passionate, adventurous, and intellectually curious, with a background in biology or a related discipline. For more information, applicants are encouraged to contact Prof. Dr David Keays and visit the research group website.

This PhD position at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) Faculty of Biology offers an exciting opportunity to join the Keays lab and work on avian cerebral organoids. The project, supervised by Professor Dr David Keays, focuses on generating a library of avian induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem (ES) cells to create three-dimensional neuronal cultures. These organoids will be used to investigate avian-specific aspects of neurodevelopment, including the shape and type of neuronal progenitors, the modular nature of the avian brain, and the evolution of white matter tracts. The research will utilize advanced techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, single cell sequencing, and histological analysis. The Keays lab is renowned for its expertise in avian biology and neural tissue organization, providing a supportive and innovative environment for doctoral research. Funding is available through LSM-CSC and DAAD-GSSP (LSM) programs. Applicants should have a strong background in neuroscience, developmental biology, or cell biology, and experience with relevant laboratory techniques is highly desirable. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the Graduate School Life Science Munich (LSM) online portal and may contact Professor Keays for further information. The position is based in Germany, and the application deadline is unspecified.