Blog from August, 2020

A PhD student position is available in the Hammerschmidt laboratory in the Biocenter of the University of Cologne in Germany (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ag-hammerschmidt.zoologie.uni-koeln.de/__;!!C5qS4YX3!ULXJhf7p1gLxQQpCYYVZjQ7JgTan0RDKXd2EuFs9ZDeVoKYvG8D2_0yWZcGaKC9Q$ ). The research project will be carried out within the frame of the DFG-funded Forschungsgruppe “Novel molecular determinants for musculoskeletal extracellular matrix homeostasis – a systemic approach” (FOR2722), a coordinated biomedical research program with participating other laboratories from the University Hospitals of Cologne, Münster and Frankfurt (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://for2722.uni-koeln.de/__;!!C5qS4YX3!ULXJhf7p1gLxQQpCYYVZjQ7JgTan0RDKXd2EuFs9ZDeVoKYvG8D2_0yWZSah-92i$ ).

The project will consist of two main parts: first, the analysis of mouse and zebrafish mutants lacking the large, but little understood extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins Hemicentin 1 and Hemicentin 2, with particular focus on their interaction with the ECM proteins Fibrillin 1 and Fibrillin 2. Human mutations in the latter lead to various congenital disorders, the so called fibrillinopathies including Marfan Syndrome with manifestations in the musculoskeletal and dermal system, while the relevance of Hemicentins in human disease remains to be elucidated. Second, the characterization of a novel zebrafish mutant with scoliosis (curved spine), one of the clinical features of Marfan Syndrome. In the case of this thus far unpublished fish mutant, scoliosis is caused by loss of function mutations in a regulator of fat metabolism, pointing to a novel connection between fat metabolism, bone homeostasis and ECM proteins. This connection needs to be further elucidated, including systematic proteomics and metabolomics approaches and confirmation of obtained data and their biomedical relevance in corresponding conditional mouse mutants.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, team-oriented student with strong interest in disease pathogenesis and preferably with a background in biochemistry, cell or molecular biology. Experience with animal experimentation, microscopy or molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, overexpression, protein purification, site-directed mutagenesis) is advantageous. Candidates should hold a diploma or master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry or related areas.

The successful candidate will be joining a young, ambitious research team with national and international partners embedded within a highly interactive and well-equipped environment (CMMC: Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne; CECAD: Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases). Excellent research and training conditions and the opportunity to learn a broad range of methods will be offered while working on a topic highly relevant for translational biomedical research

The position will be salaried according to TV-L E13/ 0.65. Funding will be provided for 3 years. The University of Cologne is a provider of equal opportunity in compliance with the German disability laws. Women and in particular individuals with disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants should submit a PDF file containing a letter of interest, CV, statement of research interests, scanned copies of certificates and addresses of 2-3 potential referees to Prof. Dr. Matthias Hammerschmidt, email: mhammers@uni-koeln.de. In case of questions, please don’t hesitate to directly contact Matthias Hammerschmidt. We are excited to hear from you and are looking forward to receiving your application!


The University of Nebraska Omaha invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Ryan Wong’s laboratory (https://sites.google.com/a/unomaha.edu/wonglab/) in the Department of Biology. The Wong lab is interested in understanding the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying stress coping styles and related cognitive processes using zebrafish.


The Postdoc will take lead in the design, conduction, and publication of experiments investigating the proximate mechanisms of the interaction between stress coping styles and cognitive capabilities (e.g. learning and memory) using zebrafish. There are opportunities to investigate fundamental questions that span multiple levels of biological organization ranging from behavior to neurobiology to genetics. The NSF-funded projects will utilize a variety of cognition assays, neurohistochemistry, transcriptomics, genome editing (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9), and bioinformatics. The Postdoc will also have opportunities to take lead and contribute to the lab’s student mentorships and outreach activities.


The duration of this NSF-funded position is for 3 years. The candidate should be highly motivated with a fundamental interest in investigating mechanisms underlying animal cognition and personality. Successful candidates will have earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or related field prior to June 2021. The preferred start date is March 2021, but a start date prior to July 1, 2021 is negotiable. Candidates should have demonstrated success in conduction and dissemination of scientific research. Specifically, the applicant should have demonstrated experience in developing or conducting at least one of the following: behavioral assays (learning/memory), neurohistochemistry, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and/or genome editing.


The University of Nebraska and I are dedicated to advancing the careers of trainees through personalized mentorship, providing opportunities for enhancement of both professional and technical skillsets, and offering collaboration opportunities with other scientists.


Your online application should include a (i) cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) research statement describing how the lab’s research interests complements your own interests and experiences, (iv) diversity statement describing the candidate’s philosophy on diversity, including but not limited to addressing the needs of students from underrepresented groups, and (v) graduate transcripts. Please also include the name and contact information for two references, who will be requested to submit reference letters. Submit application materials athttp://unomaha.peopleadmin.com/postings/11096 starting November 1, 2020. Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2021 and continue until position is filled. All interested parties must apply through above website. Materials submitted by other means will not be considered. Prospective candidates are also highly encouraged to directly contact Dr. Wong to express interest and discuss position details well in advance of application submission. Please direct questions about this position to Ryan Wong, Ph.D. at rwong@unomaha.edu.


A vibrant, metropolitan university in the state’s largest city, the University of Nebraska at Omaha has an enrollment of approximately 15,000 students. In recent decades the campus developed as a more traditional residential university supported by several new and beautifully appointed residence halls. UNO is classified as a doctoral-research university in the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the Athletic program competes in NCAA division I. It also has the distinction of being one of the nation’s leaders in engagement and outreach with a 2015 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation. For more information about UNO’s metropolitan missions, please see Growing With and Within Our Community. The campus is located in the heart of Omaha, a cosmopolitan city of more than 600,00 (1.2 million including the large Omaha metro area, which is known for its excellent public school system and strong economic base. The city has a variety if sizeable ethnic populations and a myriad of interesting places to live and shop.


The University and School have a strong commitment to diversity in its varied forms and to fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning environment where students, faculty and staff thrive and succeed. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. UNO is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an E-Verify employer.

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Neuroscience & Behavior

College of Arts & Sciences

The Psychology Department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Neuroscience & Behavior program. We welcome applications from any area of neuroscience but are especially interested in individuals who can contribute to our graduate program and build collaborations with existing faculty. Successful candidates will have a PhD in neuroscience or psychology with postdoctoral training and an excellent publication record for their career stage. Candidates should also have a sustained record of research and demonstrated ability, or evidence of the potential, to generate extramural funding commensurate with their career stage. As a faculty member, the successful applicant will teach two classes per semester and receive a half-time research assignment. Applicants should have the ability and interest to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in their field of expertise and to mentor students in our Neuroscience & Behavior Master’s and PhD program. The preferred start date is August 16, 2021.


The Neuroscience and Behavior program consists of graduate faculty from multiple departments (Psychology, Biology, Gerontology, Biomechanics, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center). For more information about UNO’s Graduate program in Neuroscience & Behavior, please visit https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-arts-and-sciences/psychology/academics/graduate-programs/neuroscience/index.php. UNO also has a strong undergraduate Neuroscience Program https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-arts-and-sciences/neuroscience/academics/index.php


UNO, the Department of Psychology, and the Neuroscience and Behavior Program have a strong commitment to diversity in its varied forms and to fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning environment where students, faculty and staff thrive and succeed. With a metropolitan mission, UNO serves a diverse student body with many first-generation college students and is also actively engaged with the community in a myriad of ways. For additional information on our vibrant campus community, please see our recent ad in the Chronicle of Higher Education. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of under-represented groups and strongly encourage women and persons of color to apply for this position.


Please visit the UNO careers website at https://unomaha.peopleadmin.com to apply. Create your account, and search for the Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Neuroscience & Behavior posting. Your online application should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Statements of teaching experience and goals, experience and dedication toward diversity and inclusion, research interests and goals, teaching evaluations, and optional supplemental information such as copies of publications (up to 3) should be attached as a single file in the portfolio area of the application. Include names and contact information of three references. Your references will be requested by the system to submit letters of recommendation electronically. Review of applicants will begin on October 15, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled. Please address questions to Dr. Rosemary Strasser at rstrasser@unomaha.edu.


The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. UNO is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an E-Verify employer.

The School of Biological and Environmental Sciences of Liverpool John Moores University is looking for candidates to put up for a competitive internal award (https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/research/phd-scholarships). If successful, the scholarship will cover all applicable fees for 3 years including a stipend at the standard UK rate as well as additional research funding. The goal of the project is to advance the analysis of a stereotyped response of larval zebrafish to hydrodynamic fields and link the ensuing statistical behavioural analysis to neurotransmitter systems. The project is based on previous findings by the group and should set up the basis for new ways of studying attention in neurobiology.


Supervisory team: Rodrigo De Marco (Lead Supervisor), School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, LJMU; Francis McGlone, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, LJMU; Florian Engert, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.

Candidates should be highly motivated and should have (or expect to complete soon) a Master degree in Biology, Physics or a comparable qualification. A passion for mastering challenges in data analysis is utterly important.

Your application:
Applications should include a cover letter, CV and contact information of 2 referees via e-mail as a single PDF file with “LJMU PhD scholarship scheme” in the subject line to R.J.DeMarco@ljmu.ac.uk until  1st September 2020.

At LJMU we strive for solidarity, inclusion and equality. We welcome applications from all.

Liverpool John Moores University
Rodrigo J. De Marco
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Faculty of Science

James Parsons Building, Byrom Street

Liverpool

The Parichy lab at University of Virginia invites applications for the position of postdoctoral scholar in the broad area of development, genetics and evolution of adult phenotypes. We are particularly interested in candidates to study mechanisms of cell signaling and morphogenesis, and how gene regulatory networks have evolved, during formation of adult pigment pattern in zebrafish and its relatives. 


Additional topics of interest include lineages, states and regenerative potentials of post-embryonic neural crest derived stem cells, signaling during skin and skin appendage development, and other aspects of adult morphology. Because the group has very diverse interests and flexible funding, we are open to a variety of areas and study organisms, and postdocs are encouraged to develop their own independent programs. 


The lab uses cutting edge approaches including single cell transcriptomics, super-resolution and time-lapse imaging, forward and reverse genetics, and others. We are equipped with extensive, lab-dedicated instrumentation for next generation sequencing, as well as microscopy, and gene expression analysis, and we occupy our own independent fish facility, all of which provide unusual opportunities for exciting science. 


Our work has appeared in Science, PNAS, eLife, Current Biology, PLoS Genetics, Development and elsewhere. 


See our website (http://dparichy.as.virginia.edu/) for more information about the group, environment, and publications. Applications from individuals having diverse backgrounds or non-traditional career paths are always welcome. Please direct enquiries to Professor David M. Parichy (dparichy@virginia.edu), and be sure to include a CV and a cover letter describing your research interests and postdoctoral goals.

____________________________________________
David M. Parichy, Ph.D.

Pratt-Ivy Foundation Distinguished

Professor of Morphogenesis

Department of Biology

Department of Cell Biology

University of Virginia

Charlottesville VA 22904

dparichy@virginia.edu




A postdoctoral position is available in our lab to study the role of cell division in tissue morphogenesis using the zebrafish embryo. Women and URM are encouraged to apply. Contact Heidi for further information at hhehnly at syr.edu.

The Hehnly lab focuses on a broad question: How do ciliated cells develop into a functional polarized organ?  We propose that this occurs through a sequential process that starts with cell division and placement of the cytokinetic midbody, which marks a site for where the apical membrane should be placed. Once cytokinesis completes, cilia assembly occurs. If a ciliated organ is to expand its central lumen, cells need to re-enter the cell cycle and correctly position their mitotic spindle along the longest axis parallel to the lumen.  We test a model in which the centrosome is essential during this process, modulating signaling events to1)  regulate spindle assembly and positioning,  2)  direct events to assist in the final stage of cell division, cleavage of the cytokinetic bridge (abscission), and  3)  direct apical polarity and formation of a primary cilium.  To identify the mechanisms involved in these processes we use mammalian cell culture and the model vertebrate  Danio rerio  (Zebrafish) coupled with advance light-microscopy, biochemical, and molecular approaches. We currently seek a researcher with a background in cell biology and microscopy. The position is for a Postdoctoral Research who will be funded by an NIH R01.  Specific research goals will be discussed and agreed upon with the principal investigator (Heidi). Please apply by sending a cover letter, CV, and job references to Heidi.

Come hang out with us in Syracuse!


Heidi Hehnly
Assistant Professor 
Biology Department
236 Life Sciences Complex
hhehnly@syr.edu
hehnlylab.com

Syracuse University

The Kucenas Lab at the University of Virginia has an immediate opening for a glial biologist in a Research Scientist role. Join our team and contribute to our innovative program investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern glial development in the nervous system using zebrafish as a model. Currently in the lab, we are investigating: 1) the development and maintenance of nervous system transition zones, 2) the molecular mechanisms that mediate glial tiling, 3) elucidating the glial heterogeneity present in both the CNS and PNS and 4) the role of glia in nervous system disease and regeneration. This position, supported by The Owens Family Foundation and the NIH, involves basic and translational research using zebrafish and we are seeking an enthusiastic, focused and creative candidate to join our team.


We invite applications from creative researchers with zebrafish glial expertise to play a leading role in our research effort. Our group currently has one research scientist, two post-doctoral research associate, and five graduate students. The successful candidate can also participate in our collaborations with labs within UVA, as well elsewhere, and they will have the opportunity to develop new projects, proposals and publications. In addition, the researcher will take on a senior role in our laboratory at UVA. They will help train graduate and undergraduate students in the areas of glial biology, developmental neuroscience, as well as data acquisition and analysis.


QUALIFICATIONS:  A Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a related discipline (i.e. Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, etc.) with no less than four years of post-doctoral experience.   Significant expertise in molecular biology techniques including DNA methodologies, PCR, CRISPR, genotyping, and complex construct cloning for the creation of new zebrafish lines. Additionally, at least four years of experience using zebrafish to study glial cells during development, expertise in in vivo imaging, and a record of publications that supports excellence in these areas.


APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UVAJobs/job/Charlottesville-VA/Research-Scientist-in-Biology_R0017382  and attach the following items as a single complied PDF in the “Resume” field.

  • A cover letter that explains why you are interested in joining the Kucenas Lab in this unique position, how the position fits into your career goals, and a brief summary of your relevant research experience (max. 2 pages).
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information for three (3) references if not already included in the CV. Listing them here represents permission to contact them unless you specify otherwise in your cover letter.

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.


APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on September 6, 2020, and the position will remain open until filled.  The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.


This is a one-year appointment that may be renewed contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.


For questions regarding this position, please contact Sarah Kucenas, Ph.D. at sk4ub@virginia.edu.


For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.


For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits


The historic University of Virginia is consistently ranked one of the top 3 public universities in the country by US News and World Report, with a vibrant research enterprise that support cross-disciplinary scholarship. We are located in beautiful Charlottesville, VA, near the Blue Ridge mountains, with a strong cultural and restaurant scene and college town energy. Travel to Washington, DC in just two hours, or the Atlantic ocean in three.


The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.


We are seeking a highly motivated, organized and enthusiastic postdoctoral fellow or research associate to study embryonic kidney development and its relationship to developmental kidney diseases. We are interested in the role of Wnt signaling in shaping nephric tubules, utilizing Xenopus (frog) embryos, zebrafish embryos and mammalian tissue culture as models. Current goals include: 1) Determining how junctions are formed during tubule formation; 2) Modeling how patient mutations result in human developmental kidney diseases; 3) Discovering novel components affecting nephron development; 4) Visualizing in vivo tube formation using advanced live imaging techniques; 5) Generating transgenic animals to visualize nephrogenesis in vivo


Current projects utilize developmental, molecular and cell biological approaches including imaging in living embryos. Applicants with a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent and a strong background in Developmental Biology, Embryology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and/or Stem Cell Biology are highly encouraged to apply. Salary and benefits are commensurate with relevant experience. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled.


Please send your CV, cover letter indicating current and future research interests, and the name/email address of three references to:


Rachel K. Miller, Ph.D.

Department of Pediatrics

The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

Email: Rachel.K.Miller@uth.tmc.edu

https://med.uth.edu/pediatrics/miller-lab/


Nazarko lab in the Department of Biology at Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA) is looking for a Postdoctoral Associate to lead the autophagy-related projects in zebrafish models of cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the lab is studying the role of lipophagy, the selective autophagy of lipid droplets, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and starting a new project on the role of glycophagy, the selective autophagy of glycogen granules, in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Nazarko lab uses the methods of Genetics, Molecular and Cell Biology to address the important questions of autophagy selectivity and regulation in several model systems, including yeast, mammalian cells and zebrafish model. Therefore, a successful candidate will have an opportunity to work in a vibrant research environment where the mechanistic studies of autophagy in yeast and human cells are translated into the animal models of various human diseases. The applicants should have: (1) PhD degree, (2) strong publication record, (3) extensive experience with zebrafish model, (4) experience in the cardiovascular field, and (5) genuine interest in autophagy and cardiovascular research using zebrafish model. Please send your CV and contact information of 3 references to Dr. Taras Nazarko: tnazarko@gsu.edu 

An NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Ann Morris to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying retinal development and regeneration in zebrafish. We are located in the Department of Biology at the University of Kentucky (http://annmorrislab.weebly.com/). We are a collaborative and diverse group, and our department includes several labs studying development and regeneration across different animal models. We are seeking applicants with the following skills: research training in developmental, cellular, or molecular biology; strong writing and communication skills; and an interest in developing novel technical approaches.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is fall 2020. Candidates should upload application materials to the UK Jobs site (https://ukjobs.uky.edu, Position FE02290), and/or send the following materials directly to Dr. Morris (ann.morris@uky.edu): cover letter, CV, 1-page statement of research interests and career goals, and the names and contact information for three references.

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.


Neuroscience laboratory at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) seeks a qualified, experienced and dynamic Postdoctoral Fellow. The successful candidate will advance our program to use zebrafish in epilepsy research. Our laboratory developed and characterized the first acute and genetic models of epilepsy in zebrafish. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we recently generated 40 new zebrafish lines representing rare human epilepsy disorders. We are currently using these unique models in a wide variety of projects, including high-throughput drug screening, neurodevelopmental, and calcium imaging studies, metabolomic studies, and analysis of Variants of Unknown Significance. All of these zebrafish-based projects are supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.   

Using larval zebrafish, we plan to establish new pipelines for the analysis and monitoring of epilepsy and it comorbidities, as well as discover and develop new therapies for these genetic forms of epilepsy. Studies using larval zebrafish incorporate a variety of cutting-edge approaches already established in the lab: electrophysiology, automated behavioral analysis, pharmacology, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, qPCR, microfluidics, computational (MATLAB) analysis, light sheet microscopy, and fast confocal imaging of brain networks in fluorescent reporter fish.  We are currently seeking a highly motivated individual to participate in these exciting projects.   

If you are interested in a postdoc position in our lab, send an email to scott.baraban@ucsf.edu that includes your CV and contact information for at least two references. Please also send a brief 1-page description of your research interests describing your past research experience, future goals, and how you envision your contribution to the overall research direction of the Baraban Lab.  Competitive applicants will have:  

  • at least one first-author publication in a high-quality journal 
  • a sincere interest in epilepsy research 
  • zebrafish experience 

    Lab website: https://barabanlab.ucsf.edu/ 

    Lab Twitter: https://twitter.com/barabanlab?lang=en 

     

    UCSF offers an outstanding neuroscience community and desirable San Francisco location.  The Baraban Lab particularly acknowledges the acute need to remove barriers to recruitment, retention, and advancement of talented students and postdoctoral fellows from historically excluded populations who are currently underrepresented.  Applications from URMs, POC, and women are strongly encouraged.