Comparing neuronal cell types in the developing brains of Drosophila and Tribolium
Are you interested in single-cell transcriptomics, brain development, and comparative neurobiology? We are looking for a motivated master’s student in computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline to investigate neuronal diversity in two insect species.
Application deadline: 30 November 2026
The project
How do differences in gene expression relate to differences in brain development and function? In this project, you will analyse single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) data from Rx-labelled neurons in the larval brains of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, and the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.
The project combines transcriptomic analysis with imaging-based characterisation of neuronal populations. You will investigate whether molecularly defined cell clusters correspond to the neuronal groups identified by their morphology. Through a cross-species comparison, you will also identify gene-expression differences that could contribute to differences in the functional activation of the central complex, a brain region involved in spatial orientation and the control of movement.
Your tasks
- Analyse and cluster snRNA-seq data from Rx-labelled neurons in both species.
- Identify highly expressed genes and differentially expressed marker genes that characterise individual clusters.
- Compare molecularly defined clusters with neuronal groups identified through imaging.
- Identify corresponding neuronal populations across Drosophila and Tribolium.
- Investigate gene-expression differences between corresponding populations to identify candidate genes and pathways potentially associated with differences in central complex activation.
Your profile
- You are enrolled in a master’s programme in computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
- You are interested in neuroscience, developmental biology, or cross-species comparisons.
- Experience with single-cell or single-nucleus RNA-seq analysis is welcome but not essential.
What we offer
- A computational thesis project connecting transcriptomics, neuronal morphology, and comparative developmental neurobiology.
- Access to snRNA-seq datasets and complementary imaging data.
- Supervision in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- The opportunity to develop skills in cell-type identification and comparative transcriptomics.
Location: Department of Developmental Genetics, AG Bucher, University of Göttingen
Preferred start date: January 2027; a later start may be possible by agreement.
Contact: Dr. Christine Mau, christine.mau@uni-goettingen.de
To apply, please send a brief statement of interest, your CV, and a short description of your programming and data-analysis experience to christine.mau@uni-goettingen.de by 30 November 2026. Please also indicate your earliest possible starting date.