Join the Laboratory of Systems Biology at TalTech for a four-year Ph.D. investigating how genetics and diet influence rainbow trout heart and cardiomyocyte morphology. Using experimental approaches, you will help identify factors underlying cardiac abnormalities in farmed fish and contribute to guidelines for improving fish robustness.
The project will address the following key areas:
Farmed salmonid fish commonly exhibit cardiac abnormalities, including unusual ventricular shapes and tissue lesions. These changes may compromise blood flow and limit cardiac performance, but the relative contributions of genetic background and feed composition remain unclear. This project aims to determine how these factors influence cardiac morphology in rainbow trout and to provide evidence for guidelines that support the production of more robust farmed fish.
The research will examine morphology at both the whole-heart and cardiomyocyte levels. Histology, immunocytochemistry, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis will be used to assess structural differences between experimental groups. The project will relate observations across these scales to develop a clearer understanding of how genetics and diet shape cardiac structure.
The student will work closely with a second Ph.D. student investigating cardiac performance and metabolism in the same fish cohorts. Together, the projects will connect structural observations with functional measurements. The work will involve independent experimental planning coordinated with other laboratory members, data analysis, and communication of findings through scientific publications and conference presentations. Training in project-specific methods will be provided, building on the successful applicant's existing experimental background.
Responsibilities and (foreseen) tasks:
Plan and conduct experiments independently, coordinating schedules and shared resources with other laboratory members.
Assess whole-heart and cardiomyocyte morphology using histology, immunocytochemistry, microscopy, and image analysis.
Analyse and interpret experimental data in collaboration with the student studying cardiac performance and metabolism.
Prepare scientific publications and present findings at conferences.
Contribute to the supervision of students.
Assist with routine fish husbandry, including a few hours on assigned weekends through a shared rota. This is a supporting responsibility rather than the main focus of the project.
Applicants should fulfil the following requirements:
Hold an M.Sc. degree in biology or a related discipline.
Have practical experience in experimental biological research, gained through a thesis, research project, or laboratory work.
Demonstrate English proficiency at C1 or C2 level.
Be able to plan and organise work independently while coordinating effectively with colleagues.
Show motivation to develop new experimental skills and conduct doctoral research.
Be willing to work with live fish and participate in the animal-care rota.
The following experience is beneficial:
Cardiac morphology, comparative anatomy, or cell biology.
Histology and tissue preparation.
Immunocytochemistry or related antibody-based imaging methods.
Microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
Statistical analysis of experimental data.
Animal handling or fish husbandry.
Experience in all of these areas is not required.
We offer:
A four-year Ph.D. position with a minimum gross monthly salary of EUR 2,300 throughout the four years.
Training in the experimental and analytical methods needed for the project.
Opportunities to participate in scientific conferences and present research findings.
An interdisciplinary research environment bringing together expertise in biology and physics.
Close collaboration with a fellow Ph.D. student working on complementary measurements in the same fish cohorts.
Supervisors:
Main supervisor: Tenured Full Professor Marko Vendelin, School of Science: Department of Cybernetics: Laboratory of Systems Biology
Co-Supervisor: Assistant Professor Martin Laasmaa, School of Science: Department of Cybernetics: Laboratory of Systems Biology
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is an international scientific community with approximately 9,000 students and 2,000 employees; it is one of the largest universities in Estonia, the leading EU country in digitalisation. The university's strengths are broad multidisciplinary study/research interests, a modern research environment, and strong collaboration with international educational and research institutions. TalTech is aiming to be an organisation leading the way to a sustainable digital future.
The Laboratory of Systems Biology is part of the Department of Cybernetics, School of Science, at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia. Our interdisciplinary team brings together researchers with backgrounds in biology, physics, biophysics, and applied mathematics. We study cardiac physiology by combining experimental measurements with theoretical approaches, connecting processes at the cellular level with the function of the whole heart. Our research includes cardiac energy metabolism and the relationship between cellular structure, mechanics, and function. Doctoral students work alongside colleagues with complementary expertise in experimental and quantitative research.
For information about the admission process, please visit the PhD Admission homepage or contact the doctoral admission team at docstudy@taltech.ee.
Applications can be submitted from 15.10.2026 to 24.11.2026
For further info, please contact:
Email: marko.vendelin@taltech.ee; Web: https://sysbio.taltech.ee
