Blog from January, 2018

The Famulski Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Kentucky seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow. The lab has recently secured NIH funding for 5 years to study the biology and specification of neural crest derived Periocular Mesenchyme during early eye development. The project will include application of light-sheet microscopy, genome editing, novel lineage tracking methodology and exciting molecular biology approaches. A successful candidate would possess a strong research background in developmental biology, cell biology, microscopy and ideally zebrafish genetics. Preference will be given to applicants with additional research experience in in vivo imaging and retinal development. Good written and oral communication skills are essential, along with excellent organizational skills. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to apply for fellowship grants and collaborate with other postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.

 

The Department of Biology houses a diverse and exciting group of research labs providing numerous opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Famulski Lab is committed to scientific excellence, diversity, and to providing mentorship for professional growth. Qualified candidates should send their curriculum vitae and a one page summary of research interests along with the names and addresses of three references to Dr. Jakub Famulski (jkfa226@uky.edu).

 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.

Applications are invited for the post of Postdoctoral Research Associate within the Bateson Centre (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/bateson) and the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (http://sitran.org/). We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to work on an exciting, MRC-funded project which will establish the mechanistic role of susceptibility genes for Parkinson’s disease. Funding is available for three years (full time). You will be undertaking an in vivo pathway analysis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and functionally characterize already established mutant zebrafish lines with CRISPR/Cas induced mutations in Parkinson’s disease susceptibility genes.  

You will have excellent skills relevant for zebrafish research and ideally also a strong background in Neurobiology and a PhD (or equivalent experience) in zebrafish research.

You will join an internationally recognised research group which was amongst the first to establish zebrafish as a novel vertebrate model for Parkinson’s disease. You will be joined by a technician and a dedicated bioinformatician for this project. You will benefit from the excellence of existing, well established complementary infrastructure and expertise of two Institutes at the University of Sheffield. The zebrafish work will be performed at the Bateson Centre. This is an exceptional environment for the clinical application of non-mammalian models. RNAseq experiments and their analysis as well as some of the functional experiments will be carried out at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). SITraN hosts multidisciplinary groups working in both basic and clinical Neuroscience. SITraN also hosts the Centre for Genome Translation (CGT) which drives management, integration and contextual analysis of high-throughput genomics and transcriptomics data for translation into therapeutic interventions. Prof Winston Hide, the Head of the CGT, is co-PI on this project.

Please apply using the following link:

http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BHF435/postdoctoral-research-associate/

 

Informal enquiries should be directed to: Prof Oliver Bandmann: o.bandmann@sheffield.ac.uk

 

 

I’m looking for a PhD candidate interested in multidisciplinary research, with background in Immunology or Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, interest in Systems Biology.

 

The aim of this DFG-funded PhD position is to study molecular and cellular mechanisms of T-cell trafficking during development. Recently, we have established a novel model system that enables the migratory behavior of all developing T-cells (thymocytes) to be studied simultaneously in a non-invasive and quantitative manner using in vivo imaging of the transgenic fish. This multidisciplinary study, encompassing Immunology, Cell Biology and Systems Biology, will implement fluorescent-based reporters to elucidate core subcellular processes (e.g. protein activity and cytoskeletal machinery) in all thymocytes at high spatial and temporal resolution. In particular, this project will focus on chemokine and chemokine receptor dynamics. High-content imaging data from various conditions and following experimental manipulations will be then used to develop computational models of cell dynamics during T-cell development.  In addition, the candidate will work on molecular mechanisms regulating post-translational modifications of chemokine receptors in leukemic T-cells. 

 

The laboratory of Translational Oncology in the Department of Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology and Pulmology, Medical Hospital, Tübingen University offers an excellent scientific environment for conducting multidisciplinary research. The position is to be filled by 1 March 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter and is limited for a two years period (65 % in part time).

 

To apply, please email your letter of motivation, detailed CV, and names of two references to Dr. Baubak Bajoghli (Baubak.Bajoghli@med.uni-tuebingen.de).

Topic: Regeneration of endocrine cells

 

The Parsons Lab in the Department of Developmental and Cell Biology at the University of California, Irvine seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow. The lab has developed several new techniques to facilitate studying regeneration in zebrafish and produced innovative research on the role of progenitors in both pancreas development and repair. A successful candidate would possess a strong research background in developmental biology, stem cell biology, and ideally zebrafish genetics. Preference will be given to applicants with additional research experience in studying functional genomics. Good written and oral communication skills are essential, along with excellent organizational skills. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to apply for fellowship grants and actively manage ongoing projects, including investigating how the contribution of pancreas progenitors to regeneration is regulated at a genomic level.

 

The Department of Developmental and Cell Biology houses a diverse and exciting group of research labs providing numerous opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Parsons Lab is committed to scientific excellence, diversity, and to providing mentorship for professional growth. Qualified candidates should send curriculum vitae along with the names and addresses of three references using the following on-line recruitment URL:

 

https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/apply/JPF04085

 

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

Recent papers of interest:

 

2016 Sox9b is a mediator of retinoic acid signaling restricting endocrine progenitor differentiation. Huang W, Beer RL, Delaspre F, Wang G, Edelman HE, Park H, Azuma M and Parsons MJ. Developmental Biology 418(1): 28-39.

 

2016 Centroacinar cells: At the center of pancreas regeneration (review). Beer RL, Parsons MJ and Rovira MC. Developmental Biology 413(1): 8-15. Front cover.

 

2015 Centroacinar cells are progenitors that contribute to endocrine pancreas regeneration. Delaspre F, Beer RL, Rovira M, Huang W, Wang G, Gee S, Vitery MC, Wheelan SJ, and Parsons MJ. Diabetes 64(10): 3499-3509.

 

2015 First quantitative high-throughput screen in a vertebrate model system: repurposing drugs for increased β-cell mass. Wang G, Rajpurohit SK, Delaspre F, Walker SL, White DT, Ceasrine A, Kuruvilla R, Li R, Shim JS, Liu JO, Parsons MJ,* Mumm JS.* eLife 4:e08261 *Joint work

 

Position Summary:         

Marine Biological Laboratory’s Marine Research Services oversees the collection and care of aquatic animals used in education and research at the MBL. This includes several marine facilities including the Marine Resources Center, a zebrafish culture Facility and a terrestrial Animal Care Facility. An immediate opening is available for a full-time Zebrafish Facility Supervisor, with experience in animal husbandry and aquaculture, to manage the operation of our small (6-rack) zebrafish culture facility and perform duties related to the handling and care of marine species as well as occasional laboratory mammals under the direction of the Director of Marine Research Services.

 

Additional Information:

This is an animal husbandry and aquaculture position with a diverse range of duties across an array of freshwater and marine species.

A primary responsibility of this role is the seasonal operation of our laboratory zebrafish culture facility that is used to support spring/summer research activities. This entails the operation of zebrafish life support systems, daily water quality measurements, zebrafish husbandry and culture (embryo production) and food production. It requires scheduling, record keeping and interacting with visiting researchers and their representatives. The Zebrafish Facility Supervisor will train and manage a seasonal technical assistant and oversee the duties of the animal care technicians that provide rotating coverage to the zebrafish facility.

 

Additional duties include husbandry and aquaculture tasks in support of a wide array of marine species as part of our animal care team. This includes the design, preparation and maintenance of animal care and holding facilities as well as animal food preparation and feeding and the basic handling and care of marine specimens. Aquaculture duties include the rearing of marine microalgae and larval invertebrates as well as other marine invertebrates and fish. The Zebrafish Facility Supervisor will provide additional duties supporting our research mammal facility as needed

This position will generally require a 5-day work week that includes approximately one weekend/month. Additional coverage on some holidays and evenings on a rotating basis with other staff as needed is a requirement.

 

Basic Qualifications:       

Candidates should have at minimum an associate’s degree in a scientific discipline, with a bachelor’s degree preferred. A general understanding of aquaculture, husbandry, and water chemistry is expected.

 

Preferred Qualifications:             

Experience with research culture of zebrafish is highly desirable. Troubleshooting mechanical problems and performing water quality tests. Assists in the training and direction of temporary staff and oversees the work of the animal care technicians providing coverage in the zebrafish facility. Works independently and effectively as a team member with other Marine Resource Department personnel. Reports to the Director of Marine Research Services.

 

Physical Requirements:

The working environment for this position requires The physical requirements for this position include: Lifting 5 gallon buckets of seawater, approx. 45 lbs.; reaching to clean out tanks; and regular contact with seawater.

 

APPLY ONLINE:  https://mbl.simplehire.com

 

The Marine Biological Laboratory is an

Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans Employer.

Leukodystrophy Disease Pathology and Therapeutics

A position for a postdoctoral fellow is available for studies on leukodystrophy disease gene pathophysiology and therapeutics discovery in the Bonkowsky lab (http://medicine.utah.edu/pediatrics/labs/bonkowsky/). The experimental model system is the zebrafish with potential application to mouse and human (see paper by Strachan et al., 2017, Human Molecular Genetics).

 

Qualifications:  PhD or MD/PhD. Strong background and experience in experimental sciences (such as molecular biology and/or biochemistry) is necessary.  Prior experience in genetics, developmental biology, neuroscience, sequencing, programming, and imaging would be advantageous.

 

Candidates should be ambitious and independent with good communication skills and team mentality; and at least one first-author publication in a well-respected journal.

 

The lab and setting are an innovative, well- equipped and scientifically stimulating surrounding.  Initial employment contract is for one year (renewable) with standard NIH pay scale.

 

Women and under-represented minorities are especially encouraged to apply.  The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 

Applications should include a ½ page letter of description of their research interests and career goals, a CV, and the names and contact information of three academic references, and be sent to:

Dr. Josh Bonkowsky

E-Mail: joshua.bonkowsky@hsc.utah.edu

A postdoctoral position is available in Ryota Matsuoka’s Laboratory at the Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic. This newly established group starting in March, 2018, aims to define the cellular and molecular basis of vascular and lymphatic assembly in the central nervous system (CNS) using zebrafish and mouse as model organisms. Dr. Matsuoka’s past work addressed how the vascularization of tissues surrounding the spinal cord is established in zebrafish (Matsuoka et al. eLife, 2016: PNAS, 2017) and how retinal neural circuits are organized in mouse (Matsuoka et al. Nature, 2011: Neuron, 2011). The future lab projects are directed towards understanding dynamic coordination of neuronal and vessel growth at the cellular and molecular level, which leads to the formation of the mature, functional CNS in vertebrates. The lab uses a combination of advanced 3D imaging, forward and reverse genetic approaches to uncover this coordinated process during development and regeneration, with the goal to reconstitute fully vascularized functional neuronal tissues following CNS disease/injury. 

 

The successful applicant is expected to apply for external fellowships, present data at scientific conferences, and prepare manuscripts for publication. Candidates with a publication record in developmental biology, genetics, neuroscience, or cell biology are preferred. Former experiences working with zebrafish or other animal models are also preferred.

 

Review of applicants will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. The stipend levels follow the current NIH scale, and start date is flexible. The contract will be renewed annually and extended for a period of 4 years and possibly longer, dependent upon satisfactory progress and the lab’s funding situation. Interested individuals should submit a single PDF file containing the following materials to matsuoka.lab.recruit@gmail.com

1) CV, including a list of publications and contact information for 2‐3 references 

2) Cover letter describing previous research, research interests, and career goals 

 

For more information, please contact at matsuoka.lab.recruit@gmail.com.

Ryota Matsuoka, Ph.D. 

Principal Investigator

Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic

9500 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44195, USA

IRIBHM, UNI

Université libre de Bruxelles

Belgium

 

Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Human Molecular Biology (https://iribhm.org)

ULB Neuroscience Institute (https://uni.ulb.ac.be)

 

Postdoctoral Position –Developmental Hematopoiesis and Immunity

 

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at the Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Human Molecular Biology (IRIBHM) at ULB to study the genetic determinants of microglia ontogeny and functions in the zebrafish model.

 

To fulfil the position as Postdoc, applicants must hold a PhD degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or relevant field for no more than 6 years, and be within the framework of international scientific mobility. The ideal candidate should also have a strong background in immunology, cell biology and molecular biology, as well as expertise in genome editing (TALEN, CRISPR-Cas9). Previous experience working with zebrafish and with confocal microscopy are an asset but are not required. Good oral and written English language skills are highly desirable.

 

The position will be held under the supervision of Dr Valérie Wittamer (PhD, FNRS -Research Associate; http://wittalab.ulb.be).

 

The position is available immediately for two years (subjected to satisfactory review after 12 months).

 

Brussels is a cosmopolitan city located in the heart of Europe, with a vibrant cultural life, excellent restaurants, many family-friendly activities and affordable housing. The host institution (Université libre de Bruxelles, ULB) is one of the leading higher educational universities in Belgium.

 

Highly motivated and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a motivation letter, a CV with publications and the name of at least 3 academic referees.

 

Applications should be made by email to Valérie Wittamer at vwittame@ulb.ac.be

New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi is in a multi-year phase of growth. As such, the University’s

Program in Biology invites applications for a faculty position as lecturer, non-tenure track, with the rank

open, depending on experience. Candidates are expected to be inspirational teachers and mentors to

undergraduate students, which is a hallmark of the University’s mission. The successful candidate will

instruct laboratory-based courses in biology and contribute to the Foundations of Science series, which is

an integrated science experience for undergraduates, that fuses fundamental concepts of chemistry, physics

and biology. A demonstrable ability to think creatively about teaching and to work as an effective member

of a teaching team are required. Opportunities for professional development are available.

 

NYU Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island, the cultural centerpiece of Abu Dhabi. Successful candidates

will find a vibrant teaching environment that includes supportive and highly motivated colleagues. Faculty

have open access to state-of-the-art core technology platforms that are institutionally supported and staffed

by experts, and are open for developing novel approaches to teaching lab-based courses. These include (1)

a fully equipped microscopy facility that houses confocal and stimulated emission depletion (STED) superresolution

microscopes, scanning and transmission electron and atomic force microscopes, and combined

confocal Raman atomic force resolution and scanning near-field optical microscopy (AFM SNOM); (2)

protein expression and purification facilities; (3) advanced DNA sequencing facilities; (4) equipment for

spectroscopic, thermal and chemical analysis, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass

spectrometers; and (5) high performance computing facilities with more than 6,400 computing cores and a

peak performance of 70 TFLOPS.

 

The terms of employment are highly competitive. Appointments, which are dependent on final budgetary

approval, can begin as soon as September 1, 2018, but later start dates are possible. Review of applications

will begin February 1, 2018 and continue until the position is filled. To be considered, applicants should

submit a complete curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching interests not to exceed four pages that includes

a reflection on how their research experience will impact their teaching, and identify three individuals for

letters of reference. Please visit http://nyuad.nyu.edu/human.resources/open.positions.html for instructions

and other information on how to apply. Questions should be directed via e-mail to nyuad.science@nyu.edu.

 

About NYUAD:

NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science

undergraduate program in the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering. NYU Abu

Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai, form the backbone of NYU’s global network university,

an interconnected network of portal campuses and academic centers across six continents that enable

seamless international mobility of students and faculty in their pursuit of academic and scholarly

activity. This global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the

intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and

multicultural perspective. As a major intellectual hub at the crossroads of the Arab world, NYUAD

serves as a center for scholarly thought, advanced research, knowledge creation, and sharing, through

its academic, research, and creative activities.

 

EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Employer

 

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply.

PhD Position studying zebrafish energy homeostasis in Cologne, Germany

 

I am looking for a highly motivated student interested in pursuing a Ph.D. investigating the basic biology of energy homeostasis in zebrafish.

Decades of research have provided us with a good grasp of the basic biology and endocrinology of how mammals utilize energy obtained from food. However, while the basic building blocks are conserved across all vertebrates, their functional consequences appear to vary between species. For example, while mutations in Leptin or it’s receptor in mammals leads to morbid obesity, zebrafish do not share this phenotype. The successful candidate will join a junior, independent research group in continuation of work from the Roger Cone lab (University of Michigan) and in collaboration with the Matthias Hammerschmidt lab at the Cologne Biocenter of the University of Cologne in Germany. The research will focus on the phenotypes and underlying mechanisms of a collection of mutant and transgenic zebrafish lines around the leptin and melanocortin signaling systems. I am looking for highly motivated candidates with a solid foundation in genetics, molecular biology and / or animal behavior. Previous experience with zebrafish is desired but not mandatory.

The Cologne Biocenter offers an excellent scientific environment for conducting research. In the last round of the German Excellence Initiative Competition of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), the University of Cologne has been awarded the status of a “University of Excellence”, and we are associated with the Excellence Cluster for Ageing-associated Diseases (CECAD) and the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (DMMC). The Cologne Biocenter is located in the center of Cologne, a vibrant and multicultural city at the heart of Germany.

The University of Cologne is an equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity supporting employer. Handicapped persons will be given preference to other equally qualified applicants. Applications from women are particularly welcome and will be preferred in case of equal qualification and capacity.

To apply, please email your detailed CV, research interests and names of two to three references to

Maximilian Michel

mmichel8@uni-koeln.de

Topic: Sensory Biology

We study the molecular basis of hearing and balance in zebrafish with a focus on the development and function of mechanosensory hair cells, and more recently, the peripheral and central auditory system. We use both forward and reverse genetic approaches to isolate mutants with auditory/vestibular behavioral deficits; to date, the majority of the genes we’ve identified via forward screens are implicated in human deafness. Lab members use a wide range of methods for their projects including molecular, behavioral, physiological and imaging analyses. Postdocs will be trained in multiple areas to acquire a diverse skill set. Support for writing and speaking skills along with career development is provided. Many former postdocs have gone on to jobs in academia or the biotech industry (see lab alumni section on Vollum website).

Desired training/skills for the successful candidate:

 

Proficiency with the usual skills of working with zebrafish or a similar animal model (husbandry, transgenesis, CRISPR, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, EM, etc.). Experience with calcium imaging and electrophysiology is a plus!

 

Please send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references to nicolson@ohsu.edu.

 

Recent papers of interest:

Maeda, R., Kindt, K. S., Mo, M., Morgan, C. P., Erickson, T., Zhao, H., Clemens-Grisham, R., Barr-Gillespie, P.G., and Nicolson, T. (2014) Tip-link protein protocadherin 15 interacts with transmembrane channel-like proteins TMC1 and TMC2. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 111 (35): 12907-12912.

Erickson, T. and Nicolson, T. (2015) Identification of sensory hair-cell transcripts by thiouracil-tagging in zebrafish. BMC Genomics, 16:842.

Maeda, R., Pacentine, I., Erickson, T., and Nicolson, T. (2017) Functional analysis of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of Pcdh15a in zebrafish hair cells. Journal of Neuroscience, 37: 3231-3245.

Erickson, T., Morgan, C., Olt, J., Hardy, K., Busch-Nentwich, E., Maeda, R., Clemens-  Grisham, R., Krey, J., Nechiporuk, A., Barr-Gillespie, P., Marcotti, W., and Nicolson, T. (2017) Integration of Tmc1/2 into the mechanotransduction complex is regulated by Transmembrane O-methyltransferase in hair cells. eLife 6:e28474.