Postdoctoral Position - HKUST, Hong Kong

Postdoctoral Position Available

A two year post doctoral position is available, starting early in 2014, in the laboratory of Prof. Andrew L. Miller, LIFS, HKUST (http://ihome.ust.hk/~aequorin/). The project is titled: “Calcium signaling in glioblastoma multiforme: Combining oncology and neurogenesis with synthetic biology and optical imaging to relate calcium signaling with neural stemness”.

The broad goal of this project is to investigate fundamental questions related to understanding how Ca2+ signalling might control stemness in neural and cancer stem cells, and in particular those involved in formation of the brain tumour glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Our aim is to investigate how abnormalities in Ca2+ homeostasis affect the dynamics and progression of GBM-related properties. The comparison of Ca2+ signalling in normal and pathological situations should provide better insight of how stem cell quiescence is regulated. The results collected will help lead to the establishment of a predictive model for Ca2+ signalling to help us understand which elements of the Ca2+ signalling toolkit are crucial to the initiation and development of GBM, and are thus potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

This project is jointly funded by the Hong Kong RGC and the French ANR and involves a collaborative effort between laboratories in Hong Kong, Toulouse, Strasbourg and Paris. The Hong Kong team will utilize a number of complementary calcium imaging techniques, optogenetics, and novel genetic tools to explore GBM onset and progression using zebrafish and cultured stem cells as model systems.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated candidate to help develop this project. Applicants must have a PhD in developmental, molecular, or cell biology, have experience with the molecular genetics of zebrafish and/or stem cells, and be willing to visit the different laboratories involved in our collaboration.

Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae, as well as a brief description of their research training and experience to Prof. Andrew L. Miller at almiller@ust.hk Two referees’ recommendations are also required.

For more details regarding the position please contact:
Prof. Andrew L. Miller (almiller@ust.hk) or Dr. Sarah E. Webb (barnie@ust.hk).