Blog from November, 2011

A Research Assistant/Lab Manager position is available in mid-January 2012
to work with a research group studying the molecular mechanism regulating
blood development using the zebrafish model system. The successful
candidate is expected to have a solid knowledge in basic molecular
techniques and be a good team worker, willing to contribute to the daily
running of the research group and management of the aquatics facility.
Opportunities to engage in a more focused lab research projects are also
available to qualified applicants.

Requirements:

1. The minimum degree requirement for this position is bachelor's degree
in Biology, marine biology or related fields. Salary and job title
commensurate with experience and degree level.
2. Strong work ethics and attention to details, strong communication and
time management skills, and strong organizational skills are highly
regarded.
3. Prior experience with zebrafish husbandry or other similar aquaculture
experience is preferred but not required.
4. Basic molecular biology experiences (DNA and RNA extraction, gel
electrophoresis, PCR, ect) are also desired.

Applications should include:

1. Cover letter, including a short description of your work experience and
availability date.
2. CV.
3. Contact information (name, e-mail, phone number) for at least three
references.

Please send applications to XIAOYING.BAI@UTSOUTHWESTERN.EDU with the
subject line “Research Technician Job.”

PhD project opportunity - 2012 entry
Dr Tanya Whitfield and Professor Nick Monk

Modelling axial polarity in the developing zebrafish ear
This project addresses a fundamental biological question: how does an initially symmetric field of cells acquire polarity and asymmetry, resulting in an asymmetric final structure? The project will use the developing zebrafish inner ear—the organ of hearing and balance—as a model system to explore developmental mechanisms of axis formation and symmetry-breaking.

The project will use genetic, molecular and imaging methods to obtain quantitative data on molecular dynamics during ear development in the zebrafish embryo. Computational models (with a user-friendly Matlab interface) will be used to assess which mechanisms can best account for the experimental data.

The student will primarily be based in the Whitfield lab (cdbg.shef.ac.uk/research/whitfield/), but training will also be given throughout by Professor Nick Monk (School of Mathematics and Statistics) (nick-monk.staff.shef.ac.uk/) to support the mathematical and computational aspects of the project.

The project will be funded by a four-year studentship from the BBSRC (to be confirmed). You will be an enthusiastic and motivated individual, with a strong interest in developmental biology, who is also interested in applying a quantitative approach to their experimental findings. You should have, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class degree in a relevant subject. Funding eligibility: UK/EU nationals only.

For further information, please contact Dr Tanya Whitfield (t.whitfield@sheffield.ac.uk). To apply, see http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/bms/prospective_pg/phd.
Deadline: 16th December 2011.

References:
Hammond KL and Whitfield TT (2011). Fgf and Hh signalling act on a symmetrical pre-pattern to specify anterior and posterior identity in the zebrafish otic placode and vesicle. Development 138, 3977-1987.

Schamberg S, Houston P, Monk NAM and Owen MR (2010). Modelling and analysis of planar cell polarity. Bull. Math. Biol. 72, 645-680.

Whitfield TT, Hammond KL (2007). Axial patterning in the developing vertebrate inner ear. Int. J. Dev. Biol. 51, 3977-3987.

Postdoctoral Positions

We are looking for candidates to take up postdoctoral positions in the López-Schier group, when it moves to the Helmholtz Zentrum München early in 2012.

One position is to work within an ERC-funded project on the cellular and neurophysiological bases of mechanosensation and sensorimotor integration using the lateral line of the zebrafish as a model system. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong background in or hands-on experience in cellular neurobiology, electrophysiology or optogenetics.

A second position is for someone with a background in informatics, physics or maths to work on information processing and transmission, mainly applying information theory. The project would initially be mainly theoretical and/or computational, but ideally based on the fish lateral line as a biological correlate.

A third position is available for a candidate interested in developing a project on cellular neurobiology in Drosophila. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in fly genetics or electrophysiology.

Candidates should be ambitious and independent. Recent doctorates (or about to obtain a PhD). At least one first-author publication in a high-profile journal is a must for postdoctoral candidates.

Applications should include a letter of presentation, a CV and the names and contact information of three academic references.

Dr. Hernán López-Schier
Laboratory of Sensory Cell Biology & Organogenesis
Centre de Regulació Genòmica - PRBB
Doctor Aiguader, 88 (08003) Barcelona; Spain
TE (office): +34 93 316 0134
TE (lab): +34 93 316 0130
Fax: +34 93 316 0099 http://www.crg.es/hernan_lopez_schier

Chairman
European Science Foundation Network "QuanTissue" http://www.esf.org/index.php?id=8356

FishForPharma is a Marie Curie Initial Training Network that brings together leading European research groups that have pioneered the use of zebrafish infection models and partners from the Biotech and Pharma sectors that aim to commercialize zebrafish tools for biomedical applications. The project will run for 4 years, starting January 2012. The main objectives of FishForPharma are:

• To exploit zebrafish as a high-throughput model for human infectious disease research and drug development programmes.

• To train a new generation of young researchers with multi-disciplinary skills to introduce zebrafish models into biomedical science and pre-clinical drug screening.

The FishForPharma network will employ 11 Early Stage Researchers (PhD students) and 3 Experienced Researchers (Postdocs) in 5 European countries. Their education programme will include training-through-research in individual projects, secondments at network partner’s research groups, and a variety of local and network-wide courses and workshops.

Applicants should hold a degree in biology or biomedical sciences and must comply with the eligibility criteria and transnational mobility rules for Marie Curie Initial Training Networks:

• Early-stage researchers (ESR) will be appointed for 3 years and will register for a PhD at their host research institutes. At the time of recruitment by the host organisation, they must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers.

• Experienced researchers (ER) positions are for 2 years. Applicants should preferably hold a doctoral degree or otherwise should have at least four years of full-time equivalent research experience. In both cases, they should have less than 5 years of full-time equivalent research experience at the time of appointment.

• Research experience (full-time equivalent) is measured from the date when an ESR or ER applicant obtained the degree which formally entitled him/her to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged.

• Trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) is an essential requirement of Marie Curie Training Networks. At the time of recruitment by the host organisation, researchers (ESR or ER) must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date. Applicants must also be prepared to be seconded for short periods (from a few weeks up to maximally 30% of the recruitment period) to other network partners to carry out part of their research work.

All ESRs/ERs recruited in the context of FishForPharma will be employed at their host institute by a contract with full social security coverage. They will receive a gross salary augmented by a net mobility allowance, a yearly travel allowance and a single payment career exploratory allowance in line with the EC rules for Marie Curie grant holders. Candidates will be selected based on their educational background, research experience, fluency in spoken and written English, and motivation to take part in and contribute to the research and training programme of the FishForPharma consortium. The ESRs and ERs are planned to initiate their projects in the first half of 2012, except ESR5, ESR12 and ER3 which will be recruited in the second half of 2012. Applications - in English - should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates of examination results, and two reference letters. The consortium encourages female applicants.

For applications or for more information on a specific ESR or ER position contact the Principle Investigator of the relevant host institute on the following website: http://www.science.leidenuniv.nl/index.php/ibl/mcb/research_themes/fishforpharma.

To find the deadlines for the applications, please go to http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/

VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER GROUP SEARCH

The Developmental Biology Unit at the Observatoire Océanologique in Villefranche-sur-Mer,
affiliated to the University Pierre and Marie Curie and the CNRS, near Nice on the French
Mediterranean coast, is seeking to attract new groups.

The Unit has a strong record in addressing basic problems in developmental and cell biology,
mainly using marine species, and achieved the highest rating of A+ in the 2008 research assessment
exercise. It is well equipped with common facilities for molecular biology, digital and confocal imaging
and electron microscopy. 42 members, including permanent scientists, support staff, PhD students
and post-docs are organised around 7 research groups:
Jenifer Croce – Regionalization and morphogenesis in sea urchin embryos
Evelyn Houliston – Developmental determinants and axial patterning in the cnidarian Clytia
Thierry Lepage – Axis specification and signalling pathways in the sea urchin embryo
Alex McDougall – Regulation of meiotic and mitotic divisions in ascidians
Christian Sardet – Fertilisation and polarity in ascidians
Stefano Tiozzo – Chordate regeneration in the colonial ascidian Botryllus
Hitoyoshi Yasuo- Cell fate specification in the ascidian embryo

Our aim is to integrate two additional groups during 2012-14, able to complement existing
themes and maintain the high level of research excellence. As well as basic developmental and
cell biology, we would welcome Evo-Devo and comparative genomics approaches.

Depending on the level of experience and current situation of the candidate, various possibilities for
start-up funding exist. For example:

European Research Council: http://erc.europa.eu/index.cfm The ERC proposes Starting Grants
for candidates 2-12 years after PhD and Advanced Grants for established scientists.

ATIP-Avenir: http://www.cnrs.fr/infoslabos/atip/vivant.htm (deadline approaching, 12 Dec. 2011).

ANR :http://www.agence-nationale-recherche.fr/le-financement-sur-projets-au-service-de-larecherche/
The ANR proposes specific funding opportunities for junior and senior “Chairs of
Excellence and Returning Postdocs.

MARIE CURIE CAREER INTEGRATION GRANTS: http://cordis.europa.eu/home_en.html

NB. candidates who have made applications to the upcoming deadlines for research funding from any
of the above funding sources would clearly carry an advantage in the spring selection procedure.
Candidates unfamiliar with the French system should feel free to contact us for further information and
explanations

Motivated scientists should provide a CV, 2-3 page research project and motivation letter by
February 10th, 2012. Short-listed candidates will be invited to Villefranche in spring 2012 to
present their projects.

Contact details for further information:
Unit Director: Evelyn Houliston
e-mail: direction_biodev@obs-vlfr.fr
Tel: +33 (0)493763983

Postdoctoral Position – University of Michigan – Goldman Lab

A postdoctoral position is available to study retina regeneration in
zebrafish. We have shown that Muller glia are responsible for retina
regeneration in zebrafish and that retinal injury stimulates Muller glia to
dedifferentiate into a population of dividing multipotent retinal
progenitors that are able to regenerate all major retinal cell types (J.
Neurosci. 26:6303, 2006; J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4196, 2010). In addition, we
have identified signaling cascades that mediate Muller glia
dedifferentiation and the proliferation of Muller glia-derived progenitors
(J. Neurosci. 28:1109, 2008; Nat. Cell Biol. 12:1101, 2010; PNAS 108:15858,
2011).

We seek a recent PhD that is highly motivated, bright and creative to join
our group and to help further characterize mechanisms initiating Muller glia
dedifferentiation and retina regeneration in zebrafish and to help in
leveraging this information to develop novel strategies for stimulating
retina regeneration in mammals. Candidates must have demonstrated expertise
(publications) in molecular and cellular biology and preference will be
given to those already familiar with the retina and/or zebrafish.

Qualified candidates should send their CV, statement of research interests
and description of past research accomplishments, along with contact
information for at least 2 referees to neuroman@umich.edu

A full-time position for a postdoctoral fellow is available in the laboratory of Norann Zaghloul at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition. A highly motivated, creative and energetic individual is sought to investigate the link between primary cilia and pancreatic development and function. The project will rely heavily on zebrafish techniques as well as cell culture and molecular biology. The individual will be responsible for independently driving this project as well as pursuing new projects related to this topic. In addition to experimental work, the fellow will be expected to develop collaborations with others within the lab and with other labs, present findings regularly at departmental meetings and national/international scientific conferences and author papers and proposals - including applications for independent grant support.

Candidate must hold MD or PhD in genetics, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, or related field and have at least 3-5 years of research laboratory experience in molecular and/or cell biology techniques. Experience with developmental animal models is required and experience with zebrafish embryology and adult models is desirable. Candidates with experience in pancreatic biology/development or ciliary biology will be given preference.

Qualified applicants should send CV, including relevant research experience and publication record, and a statement of research interests to Norann Zaghloul at zaghloul@umaryland.edu

Research Specialist Burdine Lab

Princeton University’s Department of Molecular Biology has a position available to manage a zebrafish facility. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: running the facility, breeding and rearing of zebrafish, maintaining the water system, basic lab management and assisting with genetic studies. Expertise with the mechanical and structural problems of a fish facility is highly desirable, but not required. The abilities to organize and work independently are essential.
Rank and salary are dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Essential Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology or ecology is required. This position will require flexible hours. Finalist will be required to successfully complete a background check.

Preferred qualifications: Expertise with aquaculture and the mechanical and structural problems of a fish facility is highly desirable.

To apply, please visit http://jobs.princeton.edu and use requisition #0110735.

The Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in GENETICS, broadly defined, beginning August 2012. We seek a person with research experience in genetics, or closely related field, who will instruct lecture and laboratory courses in genetics, and develop at least one advanced course in their area of specialization. The area of specialization is open; applications from candidates with expertise ranging from population genetics to genomics will be equally considered. The successful candidate will establish an independent, externally funded research program involving undergraduates, and M.S. and Ph.D. students. Service to the department, college and University is also expected. Opportunities exist for collaboration with researchers at UMD's Natural Resources Research Institute, Large Lakes Observatory, College of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and the EPA Mid-Continent Ecology Division. State-of-the-art research and instruction facilities and competitive startup funding are available. Essential qualifications include a Ph.D. or terminal degree in the biological sciences, evidence of potential for achievement in teaching appropriate for appointment at the Assistant Professor level, peer-reviewed publications, and strong oral and written communication skills. The University of Minnesota requires that you apply online for this position. For a complete position description and information on how to apply online, visit http://employment.umn.edu/, and search for Job Requisition 174713. Complete applications will be reviewed beginning November 22, 2011 and continue until the position is filled. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.