PhD Position in PTEN-Dependent Craniofacial and Skeletal Biology

This fully funded PhD position at Leipzig University’s Medical Faculty focuses on investigating how PTEN loss in osteoblasts alters craniofacial and skeletal development. The project integrates molecular biology, advanced imaging, and spatial transcriptomics to study teeth, periodontal tissues, alveolar bone, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Collaborating with Dr. Antje Garten’s lab, the candidate will link local craniofacial phenotypes to systemic metabolic changes. Ideal for candidates with a background in biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry, seeking interdisciplinary research in craniofacial biology and regenerative medicine.

• Investigate PTEN-dependent changes in craniofacial tissues, including teeth, periodontal tissues, alveolar bone, and the TMJ using inducible transgenic mouse models.
• Analyze cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying altered bone remodeling and craniofacial tissue homeostasis after postnatal PTEN deletion.
• Perform spatially resolved tissue analyses to link PTEN-associated changes to metabolic and adipose phenotypes in collaboration with Dr. Antje Garten’s lab.
• Apply state-of-the-art techniques such as histology, immunofluorescence, advanced microscopy, and micro-CT to study tissue architecture and remodeling.
• Conduct spatial transcriptomics and bioinformatic analyses to integrate molecular and cellular data.
• Present research findings at international conferences and contribute to collaborative publications.