Postdoctoral Researcher – Left-Right Asymmetry in Xenopus and Mouse Development

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The Division of Molecular Embryology (headed by Prof. Dr. Christof Niehrs) is seeking as of June 2026 a Postdoctoral Researcher – Left-Right Asymmetry in Xenopus and Mouse Development.

Reference number : 2025-0328

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Molecular Embryology

Research focus of the division :

Vertebrate organ laterality relies on cilia-driven leftward flow in the left–right organizer (LRO), but the identity and mechanism of the flow-transported symmetry-breaking cue has long remained elusive. Defects in this process are a major cause of laterality disorders and are tightly linked to congenital heart defects, where incorrect left–right patterning can lead to abnormal cardiac looping, malpositioning, and complex structural malformations. Building on our recent work identifying R-Spondin 2 (Rspo2) as a flow-mediated, sinistralizing signal in the Xenopus LRO, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to extend and mechanistically deepen these discoveries.

Key publications :

Lee H, Camuto CM, Niehrs C. R-Spondin 2 governs Xenopus left-right body axis formation by establishing an FGF signaling gradient. Nat Commun (2024). PMID : 38307837.

Niehrs C, Zapparoli E, Lee H. ‘Three signals – three body axes' as patterning principle in bilaterians. Cells Dev (2024). PMID : 39121910.

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