Student Projects
MSc and BSc Students - Theses and Internships
We welcome interested Master and Bachelor students - primarily from ETH Zurich - and will provide supervision and mentoring during the time in the lab. The available projects fall within all areas of our research. Students are expected to have excellent academic qualifications, good communication skills, strong self-motivation and be interested in experimental and laboratory research. We offer projects either in the area of molecular biology/metabolism/epigenetics (require experience in molecular biology; projects have a duration of 12 weeks or longer) or in the area of human nutrition/micronutrient deficiencies (focusing on iodine, iron and zinc). If you are interested to join, please contact Sara Marchand who coordinates internships and student projects in the lab.
Current projects
Project Description
In recent years, epigenetic editing strategies based on the CRISPR/Cas system have been developed that allow for precise and targeted modifications of both DNA and histones (Policarpi, Dabin and Hackett, 2021). Moreover, some of these editing approaches have clearly highlighted combinatorial effects of multiple epigenetic marks on transcriptional outcomes (Policarpi et al., 2022). However, the role of combinatorial effects in the establishment of transcriptional memory is still largely unclear.
In this project, we aim to establish a method for locus-specific protein degradation that is compatible with a CRISPR/Cas-based epigenetic editing system in order to interrogate functional differences in protein interaction partners between single and combinations of epigenetic marks.
What we will do
- Cloning of the constructs
- Functional assays of said constructs in mouse embryonic stem cells (cell culture, microscopy)
- Establishing (reporter) cell lines (CRISPR/Cas9)
Your profile
- You are a master student (ideally) looking for a semester project (at least 3 months). If the project allows, there will be the possibility for an extension to a Master thesis.
- You have some practical experience in a lab setting
- You can handle frustration (it is method development after all)
How to apply
Submit your CV, cover letter, and any relevant academic transcripts or certifications to Fabian Takacs () and cc our teaching address (). Please specify in your cover letter whether you are applying for an internship or master's thesis project, including your preferred start date, and highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Microalgae are sustainable novel foods with high nutritional values. Dr. Fengzheng Gao has several projects available for interested students:
- Project 1: Microalgae production for different nutritional profiles
- Project 2: Nutritional composition characterization of available microalgal biomass
- Project 3: Biomass processing with different techniques for higher bioaccessibilities
- Project 4: Bioaccessibility assessment using in vitro method
- Project 5: Bioavailability assessment using ex vivo models of human cells
If you are a motivated candidate with related background, please send your CV and motivation letter to Dr. Fengzheng Gao () and cc our teaching address ().
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