Master’s Project: Investigate immune gene diversity in Anatolian blind mole-rats

Project description: Blind mole-rats (family Spalacidae) are key model species for studying extreme adaptation and speciation under environmental stress. Their diversity is centered in Anatolia, with the Anatolian blind mole-rat (Nannospalax xanthodon) standing out among over 30 species for its ability to live at elevations ranging from sea level to over 3000 meters. It is unclear whether adaptations to high altitudes are linked to immune defense genes.

 A critical group of genes for adaptive immunity in vertebrates are those in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). These genes evolve quickly through duplication and divergence. Some duplicated genes are retained while others are lost, leading to differences in MHC organization across species. Additionally, MHC allelic diversity is influenced by parasite-driven selection, which can vary with environmental factors like altitude. This project aims to explore the organization and allelic diversity of MHC loci in the Anatolian blind mole-rat.

Prerequisites: Bright and highly motivated students with: (1) a university bachelor’s degree in Biology, Evolution, or a related discipline, (2) experience with/interest in learning scientific programming languages (e.g. R, Python), (3) interest in genetics and evolution, (4) ability to work independently, (5) excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Tasks and skills to be acquired:

Evolutionary biology

  • characterize immune gene diversity

  • test for signals of selection

  • create and interpret phylogenetic trees

Bioinformatics

  • work with NGS data

  • run programs using command line

  • write basic computer scripts

Contact: For further information on the project, please contact Dr. Jamie Winternitz jamie.winternitz(at)uni-hamburg.de in the Dept. of Evolutionary Immunogenomics (Prof. Tobias Lenz) with any inquiries.


Master’s Project: Mapping the house mouse hybrid zone in Schleswig-Holstein

Project description: This Master’s project investigates a natural hybrid zone between two subspecies of house mice—Mus musculus domesticus and Mus musculus musculus—in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany. Based on sparse historical data, the zone likely stretches across areas between Neumünster and Fehmarn Island. However, it has not been studied systematically in decades.

The project aims to localize this hybrid zone using high-resolution genetic data. The student will play a central role in fieldwork, collecting house mouse samples across the region and engaging with local landowners to explain the study and gain access to properties. Samples will be analyzed for genomic markers to identify subspecies ancestry and map where hybridization occurs.

This research provides a unique opportunity to explore how genes move between subspecies and potentially confer survival advantages in hybrid individuals. Results will contribute to our understanding of evolutionary biology, gene flow, and adaptation to disease.

The project is ideal for students interested in field biology, evolutionary genetics, and wildlife genomics. Training in field collection techniques, genetic data analysis, and science communication will be provided.

Prerequisites: Bright and highly motivated students with: (1) a university bachelor’s degree in Biology, Evolution, Ecology, or a related discipline, (2) some experience with field work, (3) a license to drive in Germany, (4) ability to work independently, (5) fluency in German and good oral and written communication skills in English.

Tasks and skills to be acquired:

  • collect wild mouse samples from snap traps and dissection

  • engage with local landowners

  • perform genetics lab work (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis)

  • write scientific publications

Contact: For further information on the project, please contact Dr. Jamie Winternitz jamie.winternitz(at)uni-hamburg.de in the Dept. of Evolutionary Immunogenomics (Prof. Tobias Lenz) with any inquiries.