PhD Studentship in Cardiovascular Development: Pharyngeal Endoderm Transcriptional Networks

This PhD studentship at Newcastle University focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind aortic arch artery development and congenital heart defects. The project will investigate how the pharyngeal endoderm regulates these processes, combining single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial gene expression analysis, and molecular biology. Using mouse models of congenital heart defects, the research aims to define cell-cell communication pathways and gene regulatory networks involved in artery formation. The interdisciplinary training includes developmental biology, bioinformatics, spatial transcriptomics, cell culture, imaging, and molecular genetics, preparing students for careers in academic, biomedical, and translational research.

• Conduct state-of-the-art single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial gene expression analysis to identify transcriptional networks regulating aortic arch artery development.
• Analyze novel datasets from mouse models of congenital heart defects to define cell-cell communication pathways and gene regulatory networks.
• Validate key findings in developing embryos and investigate mechanisms using epithelial cell models.
• Develop and apply bioinformatics skills to process and interpret complex genomic data.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate findings across developmental biology, genomics, and molecular biology.
• Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in training programs to enhance skills in cell culture, imaging, and molecular genetics.