Project (Melina Schuh)

Chromosome biology, genome stability and reproductive ageing

Introduction
How do eggs preserve their chromosomes for decades - and what determines whether they can give rise to a healthy embryo?
The Schuh laboratory at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences investigates how mammalian eggs organise, maintain and faithfully transmit their genome to the next generation. We are recruiting a PhD student to explore fundamental questions in chromosome biology and reproductive ageing, with opportunities to develop new approaches to improve egg quality.
A central question is how the molecular systems that safeguard chromosomes are maintained throughout the exceptionally long lifespan of mammalian eggs—and why they eventually fail. Potential projects investigate how chromosome organisation, gene regulation and protein homeostasis support egg development and function, how these processes change with age, and why chromosome segregation becomes increasingly error-prone. By identifying the mechanisms underlying these changes, we aim to develop strategies to preserve chromosome integrity in ageing eggs.
Our recent work provides exciting starting points. We have developed an engineered chromosome cohesion system that reduces errors in aged mammalian eggs (Webster, Yusuf, Schweizer, Charalambous et al., Science, 2026), and shown that restoring the chromosome-protective protein Shugoshin 1 can reduce chromosome errors in human eggs (Saha et al., bioRxiv, 2026). These discoveries illustrate how understanding the biology of eggs can open new avenues for intervention.

Depending on the project, you may visualise chromosome dynamics in living eggs, test the function of candidate protective factors, or investigate age-related molecular changes using genomic, transcriptomic or proteomic approaches. You will have the opportunity to shape your project together with us, building on your interests and strengths as well as emerging directions in the laboratory.


Exciting Research Opportunities
Our lab offers a dynamic and stimulating environment for students eager to combine computational and experimental approaches to address fundamental questions in reproductive biology. We welcome highly motivated individuals with a background in bioinformatics, cell biology, or genetics to join our friendly, international, and multidisciplinary team.

Join Us and Make a Difference
We welcome curious and motivated applicants interested in cell biology, chromosome biology, genome regulation or ageing. Join our collaborative, international research environment to uncover how eggs safeguard the genome - and how these mechanisms might be preserved as they age.

If you are an inquisitive and dedicated individual seeking to make a tangible impact in the field of reproductive biology, we encourage you to explore our exciting research opportunities.