In contrast to humans and other mammals, zebrafish can completely regenerate heart injuries. Surprisingly, we have found that fish are not immune from issues that inhibit regeneration in aged mammals, namely genomic stress (Dalvoy et al., Nature Communications 2025). Rather, regeneration of cardiomyocytes in zebrafish hearts depends on an elevated ability to overcome replication stress. Zebrafish employ BMP signaling to overcome the stress, and we found that BMP signaling is able to protect mammalian cells from replication stress as well. Thus, we can use zebrafish regeneration to discover potential anti-aging interventions.
Our preliminary data shows that endocardial cells in the regenerating heart also experience replication stress. Thus, this project aims to uncover whether regeneration of this essential layer of the heart requires BMP signaling-mediated alleviation of replication stress as well. It will use transgenic and genetic manipulations of BMP signaling, combined with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, cell sorting and bulk and single cells RNASeq to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms. The project will thus confirm and extend the exciting principle that the enormous regenerative abilities of zebrafish depend on elevated anti-aging mechanisms.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist (f/m/d) who is dedicated to performing fundamental research.

We expect:

• Training in developmental biology, molecular biology, cellular biology or related fields.
• Enthusiasm for fundamental science and regenerative biology.
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English.

We offer:

• The opportunity to work in an international, dynamic and motivated team.
• The collaborative research environment of the CRC “Aging at interfaces” www.uni-ulm.de/einrichtungen/sfb-1506-aging-at-interfaces/
• State-of-the art resources, including a 1000 tank zebrafish facility.
• The possibility to join the international graduate school of Ulm University, iGradU.
• Payment and benefits according to the collective agreement TV-L 13.

Further information about our lab can be found at www.uni-ulm.de/weidinger and x.com/WeidingerLab

Applications including a CV, a statement of research experience and interests (max. 2 pages) and contact data for 2-3 references should be emailed to Prof. Dr. Gilbert Weidinger, gilbert.weidinger@uni-ulm.de until 31.7.2026.