Blog from May, 2012

One postdoctoral position is available at Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University. The individual interested in this position will study the role of miRNAs in endothelial cells diversity and heterogeneity during Zebrafish vascular development.
Projects will utilize multidisciplinary approaches: RNA biology (Hits-Clip, miRNA and RNA deep sequencing profile), genetics (application of Zinc Finger Nuclease/TALEN to generate miRNA mutants) and finally vascular phenotypic characterization of zebrafish embryos.
Candidates must have excellent technical skills, an enthusiasm for using and developing new techniques, and the interpersonal skills to work within a diverse team of scientists. 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. Experience helpful but not required:

  • zebrafish development.
  • bioinformatics analysis.

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter summarizing their research interests and future career aspiration, CV, description of past research accomplishments, along with contact information for at least 2 references.
Please email to:

Stefania Nicoli, Ph.D.
Section of Cardiovascular Medicine,
Yale University School of Medicine,
300 George St., New Haven, CT 06520-8017
Email: stefania.nicoli@yale.edu

http://medicine.yale.edu/intmed/people/stefania_nicoli.profile

Postdoctoral position, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

A funded postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. David Parichy in the Department of Biology at the University of Washington in Seattle. The lab uses zebrafish as a model to study developmental genetic mechanisms underlying the morphogenesis and differentiation of post-embryonic, neural crest-derived stem cells as well as melanocytes and melanoma cells. The lab uses a diversity of approaches including forward genetic screens, transgenesis, time-lapse imaging, and next generation sequencing. More information about the lab can be found at: http://protist.biology.washington.edu/dparichy/. Information about the outstanding research environment at the University of Washington can be found at: http://www.biology.washington.edu/why-choose-uw-biology-postdocs. Candidates for this position should already have a Ph.D., or should be within one year of completing their doctoral research. Please mail or email a CV including a list of references to:

David M. Parichy, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Biology
University of Washington
Kincaid 024a, Box 351800
Seattle, Washington 98195-1800
dparichy@u.washington.edu

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is a world renowned organization dedicated to the progressive control and cure of cancer through programs of patient care, research, and education.

Our Research Animal Resource Center (RARC) has an immediate opening for an experienced aquatics facility manager to oversee the programmatic, administrative, and operational activities of facilities at both MSKCC and WCMC. The Manager, Aquatics Systems and Services will supervise and schedule the activities of up to 5 aquatics technicians assigned to the program. Species currently include ~18,000 Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and ~115 African Clawed- Frog (Xenopus laevis). In this role, you will collaborate extensively with scientific staff regarding the use and refinement of their aquatic animal models and conducts research to meet these needs. Additionally, you will provide technical services to scientific staff and assists with IACUC animal protocol development and review. Our ideal candidate will be able to maintain a high level of customer service by providing timely, accurate and expert support to researchers in all aspects of research utilizing aquatic species. Typical duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of aquatics technicians by delegating work assignments (including weekend coverage) and ensures completion of duties
· Oversee the daily operations of aquatics holding rooms, life support systems, equipment and support areas
· Perform a critical review of all procedures impacting aquatics facilities to ensure the highest performance in the most cost effective manner
· Effectively communicates and collaborates with zebrafish scientists at both MSKCC and WCMC regarding husbandry issues, growth, development and reproductive success of aquatic species, overall health and general satisfaction with the models being used and research needs
· Responsible for the training and development of aquatics technicians, including: assuring employees have undergone all required institutional and RARC training, ensuring all staff are competent in husbandry and other aquatics related procedures, scheduling seminars and hands-on training for new devices and techniques
· Evaluate new equipment and procedures, and develops and evaluate Standard Operating Procedures

Qualifications:
· BA/BS in Aquaculture or Fisheries Biology/Management or related fields required; MA/MS in Aquaculture or Fisheries Biology/Management or related fields strongly preferred
· At least two (2) years experience in the management of aquatic systems required; Five (5) years experience in the field with supervisory experience preferred
· AALAS Certification at the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) level Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be capable of functioning independently with minimal supervision with analytical skills to resolve complex problems requiring the use of scientific, mathematical or technical principles
· Must have an understanding of molecular biology techniques, genetic principles, population biology and biosecurity
· Must have knowledge of general engineering principals of the aquatic life support systems and basic plumbing skills
· Must be detail oriented with superb organizational and interpersonal skills
· Minimum computer skills include proficiency with e-mail, internet, and word-processing

We offer an excellent salary and comprehensive benefits, including tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at http://mskcc.hodesiq.com/careers/job-details.asp?JobID=3045267 and apply on-line.

MSKCC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Research Technician - New Jersey Medical School, UMDNJ

A Research Technician position for Zebrafish Laboratory is available at the
Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical
School, Newark, NJ.

Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in biology or a related field
Previous experience in zebrafish
Basic skills in molecular and cell biology
Evidence of organizational and administrative skills
Good communication skill

Duties of the position:
Assists in the management and coordination of the laboratory
Zebrafish line maintenance
Basic molecular and cell biology procedures
Training lab staff

To apply, please visit http://umdnj.hodesiq.com/job_detail.asp?JobID=12NS962740&User_id=&SearchByID=Y
Or http://umdnj.hodesiq.com/ and use Job# 12NS962740

UMDNJ offers a competitive salary & comprehensive benefits package including
child care. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. For more
information, visit www.umdnj.edu/hrweb <http://www.umdnj.edu/hrweb> . This
position is grant funded.

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION – UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SCHOOL

The University of Massachusetts Medical School, one of the fastest growing academic health centers in the country, has built a reputation as a world-class research institution, consistently producing noteworthy advances in clinical and basic research. The Medical School attracts more than $174 million in research funding annually, 80 percent of which comes from federal funding sources. UMMS is the academic partner of UMass Memorial Health Care, the largest health care provider in Central Massachusetts.

A postdoctoral position is available for a highly motivated candidate to develop artificial nucleases for targeted gene disruption in mosquitoes and zebrafish. These studies will focus on developing and implementing new nuclease technologies to understand gene function in disease/pathogen related pathways that will lay a foundation for the development of new targeted therapeutics. The laboratory uses zebrafish as a model organism for two major projects: Developing tools for gene inactivation and modification in vertebrate systems and creating disease models of obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related biomedical science. In addition, the potential candidate must have strong oral and written communication skills and be prepared to present research results at national meetings. Prior experience with zebrafish and obesity/diabetes research is advantageous, but not required.

Major Responsibilities:
1. Generation and testing of artificial nucleases for targeted gene knockouts
2. Responsible for the maintenance of mutant and transgenic zebrafish lines
3. Genotyping/phenotyping mutant zebrafish

Experience Desired (not required):
1. Experience with zebrafish husbandry
2. Experience with obesity and diabetes animal models
3. Basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, Restriction Enzyme mediated cloning, Gel electrophoresis, Qiagen DNA miniprep)
4. Familiarity with protein-DNA recognition in zinc fingers or related systems

To Apply:
For consideration, applicants should send a letter describing their current research activities and their interest in this position, CV (including publications) and contact information for three references (including PhD advisor) to:
Scot.Wolfe@umassmed.edu (Please indicate Post Doc Requisition #21787 in the Subject Line.)

or via postal mail to:
Scot Wolfe
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Program in Gene Function & Expression
364 Plantation St., LRB Room 619
Worcester, MA 01605
Further details about the Wolfe laboratory can be found at: http://labs.umassmed.edu/WolfeLab/index.html

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMMS recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.

PhD position
A position for a PhD student is available in the laboratory of Dr Chrissy Hammond at the University of Bristol; studying the role of chondroitin sulphates in growth factor signalling during cartilage and joint development in the zebrafish. We have identified a novel chondroitin sulphate mutant zebrafish line which shows phenotypes in cartilage maturation and joint morphogenesis. The project will study the role of chondroitin sulphation in growth factor diffusion and will involve generation of transgenic lines, confocal imaging, molecular biology and biochemistry. Previous experience of zebrafish research would be an advantage but is not necessary.

This 3 year position, which is supported by Arthritis Research UK is available from September 2012 and has a starting stipend of £19,219 in the first year (rising in years 2 and 3). Closing date for applications is 30th May 2012.

For further information and how to apply please go to:http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=34912
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Chrissy Hammond at chrissy.hammond@bris.ac.uk (tel 0044 (0)117 33 12228)

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute is an interdisciplinary institution dedicated to conducting basic, clinical and translational research on conditions and diseases that affect children, and is part of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania research community.

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Carolyn A. Felix, M.D., Center for Childhood Cancer Research. This project is a collaboration with Rita Balice-Gordon, Ph.D., and her laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

The successful candidate will use zebrafish as a model organism to study the role of transcriptional regulator MLL (Mixed Lineage Leukemia) in developmental hematopoeisis and the dysfunction in this process that leads to infant leukemia. A range of whole organism, cellular, molecular and genetic approaches will be used to study the role of zmll in different hematopoietic cell populations and to identify and study candidate genes and pathways that are regulated by zmll and MLL fusion oncoprotein transgenes.

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow who is motivated, creative, enthusiastic, and careful, who thinks critically and works well in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative team. Candidates must have a recent Ph.D. or M.D. /Ph.D. in the biological sciences. Experience with zebrafish and zebrafish hematopoiesis is beneficial and excellent qualifications from graduate school training in the areas of cell and molecular biology are essential. The position is NIH funded for 5 years.

Considered candidates must have a recent Ph.D. or M.D. /Ph.D. in the biological sciences. Experience with zebrafish and zebrafish hematopoiesis is beneficial and excellent qualifications from graduate school training in the areas of cell and molecular biology are essential.

The postdoctoral fellow will, under the direction/guidance of a mentor (Principal Investigator), assume responsibility for a specific, on-going research project.

The Postdoc experience will serve to extend, refine and enhance skills necessary for professional and career development, and will enable the individual to broaden his/her scientific background by acquiring new research capabilities. It is expected that this individual will conduct independent scholarly research, and will contribute directly to the overall research goals of the project and the research group.

Postdocs will be expected to participate in project planning, recording and interpretation/evaluation of data, and communication of results. Postdocs will also be expected to acquire technical, lab management, and manuscript/grant writing skills; and participate in seminars, lectures, poster sessions and presentations at national meetings.

Postdoctoral fellows also may be required to supervise junior lab members, develop new methods and protocols for research, and assist with the development of other research projects in the lab.

Postdoctoral fellows at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia receive mentored training in a rich scientific and collaborative environment that includes the resources of the adjacent University of Pennsylvania.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Strong research skills
Effective problem solving/critical thinking skills
Ability to work independently
Ability to exercise discretion and judgment
Value for research integrity and collaborative research
High level of motivation
Good communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
Child Abuse Clearances
FBI Fingerprint Clearance
Drug Screening

All CHOP employees who work in a patient building or who provide patient care are required to receive an annual influenza vaccine unless they are granted a medical or religious exemption.

To learn more about the CHOP Research Institute, Dr. Carolyn Felix and the research programs visit: http://www.chop.edu/careers/research-opportunities/.

Interested individuals should send a cover letter, CV, and three references and/or letters of recommendation and must also complete a profile on our website at https://www.chop.edu.apply2jobs.com/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.searchJobs.

For assistance in applying, please email talentacquisition@email.chop.edu or call 86-920-9288.

Postdoctoral Position – Institut Pasteur, Paris, France

A postdoctoral fellowship is available in Dr Philippe Herbomel’s laboratory at Institut Pasteur, in Paris (France). Our lab has pionneered various aspects of the development of the hematopoietic system and resulting tissue leukocytes in zebrafish, with a strong emphasis on the in vivo study of cell behaviour. This started with the ontogeny and deployment of the primitive macrophage lineage1,2, then the neutrophilic granulocytes4 ; the emergence of the definitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and their journey to successive hematopoietic niches3,5, beginning with the first site of definitive hematopoiesis, which we discovered in the tail and named the Caudal Hematopoietic Tissue (CHT)3. More recently we resolved a long-standing debate in vertebrate hematopoiesis by discovering how HSPCs emerge from the ventral wall of the embryo’s aorta, through an entirely novel type of cell transition which we have named the Endothelial Hematopoietic Transition (EHT)6.

In parallel, another part of the lab focuses on the behaviour and functional properties of macrophages and neutrophils, notably upon infection1,4,7, and on the host response to viral infections8,9.

The present postdoctoral fellow will join the overall theme of developmental hematopoiesis, and may address any of the following subjects :

i) The EHT, the process by which aortic endothelial cells transform into hematopoietic stem cell : the biomechanics, cytoskeletal dynamics and cell signalling involved in this unprecedented cell transition.

ii) The long-term fate of single hematopoietic progenitors arisen from the EHT, as well as from the primitive myeloid lineage born in the yolk sac, using a genetic labelling system controlled in both time and space at the level of single cells.

iii) The cellular and molecular defects accounting for the phenotype of mutants that we have characterized - the first of their kind - as specifically devoid of microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS), due ta complete and specific inability of macrophages to colonize the CNS.

Our laboratory is part of the Department of Developmental Biology of Institut Pasteur, the largest biology institute in France, situated in the centre of Paris.
Potential candidates should send a letter of interest + CV, and any questions about the position, by email to Philippe Herbomel : philippe.herbomel@pasteur.fr

See also our website: http://www.pasteur.fr/ip/easysite/pasteur/en/research/scientific-departments/developmental-biology/units-and-groups/macrophages-and-development-of-immunity

Selected publications (underlined : members of the Herbomel lab)
1. Herbomel P., Thisse B., Thisse C. (1999) Ontogeny and behaviour of early macrophages in the zebrafish embryo. Development 126 : 3735-45
2. Herbomel P., Thisse B., Thisse C. (2001) Zebrafish early macrophages colonize cephalic mesenchyme and developing brain, retina and epidermis through a M-CSF receptor-dependent invasive process. Dev. Biol. 238 : 274-88

3. Murayama E., Kissa K., Zapata A., Mordelet E., Briolat V., Lin HF., Handin R.I., Herbomel P. (2006). Tracing hematopoietic precursor migration to successive hematopoietic organs during zebrafish development. Immunity 25, 963-97

4. Le Guyader D, Redd M, Colucci-Guyon E, Murayama E, Kissa K, Briolat V, Mordelet E, Zapata A, Shinomiya H, Herbomel P. (2008) Origins and unconventional behavior of neutrophils in developing zebrafish. Blood 111, 132-41

5. Kissa K., Murayama E., Zapata A, Cortes A, Perret E, Machu C, Herbomel P. (2008) Live imaging of emerging hematopoietic stem cells and early thymus colonization. Blood 111, 1147-56

6. Kissa K, Herbomel P (2010). Blood stem cells emerge from aortic endothelium by a novel type of cell transition. Nature 464, 112-5

7. Colucci-Guyon E, Tinevez JY, Renshaw S, Herbomel P (2011). Strategies of professional phagocytes in vivo : unlike macrophages, neutrophils only engulf surface-associated microbes. J. Cell Sci. 124, 3053-9

8. Levraud JP, Boudinot P, Colin I, Benmansour A, Peyriéras N, Herbomel P., Lutfalla G. (2007). Identification of the zebrafish IFN receptor: implications for the origin of the vertebrate IFN system. J. Immunol. 178, 4385-4394

9. Ludwig M, Palha N, Torhy C, Briolat V, Colucci-Guyon E, Brémont M, Herbomel P, Boudinot P, Levraud JP (2011). Whole-body analysis of a viral infection: vascular endothelium is a primary target of infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus in zebrafish larva. PLOS Pathog. 7, e1001269

Zebrafish Staff Scientist in Atlanta, GA

Intellimedix, an Atlanta based company associated with Georgia Tech and dedicated to accelerated drug discovery, is searching for a full time Staff Scientist. S/he will perform the screening of antiepileptic drugs using Zebrafish as the model organism, and will be responsible for overseeing the zebrafish fish facility and its operation.

Highly motivated individuals who have recently obtained a PH.D. , and who have a strong background in molecular cell biology and small molecule drug screening in Zebrafish embryos are encouraged to apply. Experiences with Zebrafish as well as a confocal microscope are necessary. The salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Interested parties please send CV, list of three references and a cover letter summarizing your background and expertise to Jessica Forness at jforness@intellimedix.com.

Zebrafish Technician in Atlanta, GA

Intellimedix, an Atlanta based company associated with Georgia Tech and dedicated to accelerated drug discovery, is searching for a full time Zebrafish lab technician. The technician will be responsible for the overall management and maintenance of the fish facility and will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of scientists from industry and major academic institutions.

Key responsibilities for this position include:

  • Overall maintenance of the fish facility
  • Receipt, stocking and maintenance of supply inventories
  • Zebrafish husbandry and colony management
  • Maintaining wild type and mutant stocks
  • Feeding hatchlings, juvenile and adult fish
  • Performing basic bench-top molecular biology procedures
  • Maintaining equipment and aquaria
  • Improving the efficiency of the facility and contributing to automation of routine tasks

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Previous expertise in fish facility management and fish husbandry is required
  • Solid/working knowledge of electrical systems, electronics, instrumentation, PC and database management
  • Analytical and innovative personality
  • Ability to work in an entrepreneurial environment
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills

Interested parties please send CV, list of three references and cover letter to Jessica Forness at jforness@intellimedix.com.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under direction of Animal Care Supervisor, this position is responsible for the daily care and husbandry of zebrafish in a research environment in accordance with all applicable laws and regulatory guidelines. Technician will maintain health and well being of laboratory zebrafish by providing a stable, sanitized environment with quality food and water and husbandry practices. Specific responsibilities include; perform and record daily animal health observations, communicate any adverse findings to the manager, and complete required documentation. Technician will maintain clean, orderly and sanitized work areas - identifying any problems and notifying aquatics facility manager, perform daily room checks for environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, lighting, pH), perform and record all water chemistry testing, and complete required area documentation. This position will operate equipment including glass washer, pure water salt dosatron, and integrated electronic water quality monitoring systems; observing standard operating procedures and safety guidelines. Technician will monitor equipment for proper operation and complete appropriate documentation. Additionally, technician will oversee invertebrate cultures for feeding larval fish, monitor supplies and communicate supply needs to manager in timely manner. Under supervision, technician may assist in fish facility/room training. Some holiday and weekend coverage will be required.

Qualifications:

High School diploma (or equivalent) is required. BA/BAS or College background in Biology is strongly preferred as is one year of animal (ideally zebrafish) care/husbandry work experience.

Must be Assistant Laboratory Animal (ALAT) certified or obtain ALAT certification within 6 months of hiring date. Clear understanding and knowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in animal care and research laboratory activities. The job responsibilities require the analytical skills to gather and interpret data in situations in which the information or problems are relatively routine. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with veterinarians and research staff and to function independently as well as a team member in a team setting are essential. The successful candidate must be a highly motivated responsible individual with strong organizational skills.

Additional Information:

Training on the new departmental state-of-the art aquatics facility will be offered, and the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate commitment to the position and willingness to progressively engage in training opportunities.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources. To be considered for this position, applicants must include a cover letter. This is a grant funded position, and ongoing support for it is contingent on funding.

To apply please visit http://employment.harvard.edu/ and use Auto req ID 26584BR