Available Positions

We are seeking an intellectually-driven MSc student for an interdisciplinary research on emergent adaptation in an artificial host-microbiome system.

The research aims to address a fundamental question of multicellular organization by constructing and studying an unusual model system that is uniquely designed for this purpose. The research is expected to combine different fields, including engineering, microbiology, genomics and bioinformatics.

The student is expected to:

•  Be creative, resourceful and capable of carrying out research in uncharted territories

•  Be responsible, motivated and committed to the research

Wet-lab experience and background in exact sciences would be an advantage.

Experimental evaluation of a new theory of Lamarckian Adaptation

The composite nature of host-microbiome systems presents major challenges to traditional understanding of animal adaptation and how it comes about. Unlike previously considered cases of unicellular and germ-free multicellular organisms, most (if not all) animals and plants, including human, are composite individuals, consisting of a single host and a large number of rapidly dividing symbiotic microorganisms. This structure is shaped by rapid selection of individual microorganisms within each host and longer-term selection of the animal (or plant) as a whole. Since the two levels of selection affect one another, the composite structure of the organism as a whole raises a number of fundamental and pressing questions, such as: 1) how each animal controls the unimaginably large volume of changes in its gut microbiota?, 2) how these newly-forming variations might lead to emergent adaptation within the lifetime of the host? 3) how these adaptations might be inherited and stabilized? and 4) how can we exploit the previously unrealized adaptive capabilities of host-microbiome systems?

We are addressing these questions using unique experimental and theoretical paradigms developed specifically for this purpose. Our work-in-progress findings suggest that the composite structure of animals can give rise to adaptive outcomes that were traditionally considered impossible for host and bacterium on their own (e.g. Lamarckian Adaptation and Group Selection).

We seek an intellectually-driven student for interdisciplinary investigation of emergent adaptation in a host-microbiome system. Details of the research will depend on the student's interests and background.