How does a developing embryo build tissues with such precision, even when individual cells behave differently from one another? In vertebrate systems, cell fate is often described as "stochastic": genetically similar cells can make different developmental decisions, yet tissues and organs form with remarkable reproducibility. What principles govern cell fate decisions and tissue organization? How do developing systems achieve reliable outcomes in the face of variability?

To address these questions, we combine spatial transcriptomics, in toto live imaging, genetics, and computational analysis. Our recent work established whole-embryo spatial transcriptomics at subcellular resolution (Science, 2026) and imaging approaches (Cell, 2019; BioRxiv, 2026) capable of tracking developmental processes across an entire vertebrate embryo. We use the zebrafish retina and early embryo to investigate how individual cells make fate decisions while simultaneously participating in large-scale tissue morphogenesis. By linking gene expression, cell behavior, lineage history, and tissue mechanics, we aim to uncover the principles that transform variable cellular behaviors into robust biological form.

The Wan Lab will open at the Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG) at the University of Lausanne in January 2027. If you are excited about developmental biology, quantitative approaches, imaging, spatial omics, or simply fascinated by how cells build tissues, consider applying to join us!

Graduate students: The Wan Lab has multiple funded PhD positions available. If you are interested, please review the requirements and apply through the official application portal. Applications will be evaluated starting in August 2026 and will remain open until the positions are filled.

Postdocs: Prospective postdoctoral candidates are encouraged to contact Yinan directly by email. Please include a CV, the names and contact information of two references, and a brief statement describing your research interests and why you would like to join the lab. Candidates interested in applying for independent fellowships (e.g. EMBO, MSCA, SNSF, HFSP) are particularly encouraged to get in touch.

Master's students: I will be accepting Master's students through the University of Lausanne programs starting in 2027. Students from other programs who are interested in the lab's research are also welcome to get in touch to discuss potential opportunities.