The evolution of larvae in the animal kingdom. Advanced comparative electron microscopy of invertebrate larvae.

Many marine animal species have indirect development via a larval stage. These larvae are, at least superficially, similar across phyla (e.g. annelids, flatworms, molluscs etc). Whether these larvae were inherited from an ancestor or repeatedly evolved is disputed. The student will compare one distinctive larval feature that is similar across these larvae – the apical organ.

The research will take place in the wider context of a Marie Curie Training network called ZOOCELL. https://zoocell.eu

There will be excellent opportunities for collaboration with (and travel to) world class labs across Europe. The Training and networking opportunities within the context of the network will be excellent.

You will analyse individual component cells of apical organs of multiple phyla characterising their gene expression, cellular phenotype and interconnections between these cells and between the apical organ and other cells (eye spots, ciliary bands etc.). Demonstration of complex similarities would support homology of this larval structure across phyla.

You will study the morphology of apical organs of larval stages from the flatworm Prostheceraeus crozieri and the phoronid Phoronis muelleri using serial electron microscopy (TEM, FE-SEM) to 3D-reconstruct (1) shape of individual neuronal cells in apical organs and eyes, (2) disposition of cells and interconnections between them, (3) overall architecture of apical organ in wider context of the larva. EM cell phenotyping will be complemented by mapping single cell sequencing data to individual cells using a immunostaining and whole-mount hybridisation chain reaction (HCR) and by comprehensive mapping of conserved proneuropeptides.

The advanced electron microscopy may be complemented with parallel research to determine the contested relationships between the phyla within the main group of animals with a larva: the Lophotrochozoa.

Project funding duration: 36 Months.

Required applicant profile: Experience in developmental and evolutionary biology, electron microscopy, bioinformatics or computational biology will be advantageous.

Applications should be a single pdf containing: a c.v.; a letter explaining your interest in the project; and contact details of two academic referees.