I nstitute of A gricultural Sciences ETH Zürich Animal Physiology Universitätstr. 2 LFW B 57.1 8092 Zürich Dr. med. vet. Barbara Drews [email protected] Zürich, May 21 2015 The group Animal Physiology at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of ETH Zurich has an opening for 2 fully funded doctoral positions. Research Project: “Regulation of diapause in the Roe deer” Background: Embryonic diapause is a physiological reversible arrest of embryo development that can last several months. Diapause uncouples mating from delivery and allows birth to take place when the offspring has the best chance of survival. During diapause, the embryo is hosted in the uterus without placental supply until reactivation and implantation occur. The intrauterine environment, namely the histotroph, plays a crucial role in providing a milieu permissive to the needs of the embryo. It is here that embryonic and maternal secretions compile and signals can be intercepted. To date, neither the signals regulating entry into diapause nor the factors responsible for embryonic reactivation are known. This project aims at solving the unknown regulation of diapause in roe deer. The specific composition of the histotroph will be analyzed in detail before, during and after diapause to determine (i) its maternal and embryonic contribution to the developmental velocity of the embryo and (ii) the physiological mechanisms hallmarking the developmental velocity of embryos in vivo. This is of particular interest for artificial reproductive techniques in further species including livestock and human. The PhD will be part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers that will combine complementary ex vivo field studies, in vivo trials and in vitro embryo culture and introduce cutting-edge technologies comprising embryo culture, proteome and metabolome analysis, RNA sequencing, transcriptome analysis, tandem mass spectrometry and confocal microscopy to address the research questions. Specific Objectives include: • To collect, process and store Roe deer samples from the field in the course of hunting • • • • actions To establish in vitro short time culture of Roe deer embryos To analyse the embryonic secretome in the supernatant of the short time embryo culture To assist in veterinary procedures such as embryo flushing and embryo transfer in vivo To differentiate between maternal and embryonic signals involved in the regulation of diapause Requirements: Applicants should have a degree in Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Sciences, Biology or related fields. The doctoral candidate should be able to work independently in the field. He/she is expected to find solutions to arising problems and to integrate in the structure of the research team. Starting date and project duration: The doctoral candidate should start as soon as possible. The doctoral thesis should be completed within a three-year period. Application procedure and closing date: The application should include a letter of motivation and CV. For further information please contact Dr. med.vet. Barbara Drews ([email protected]). The position will be opened until filled.
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