Blog from September, 2018

Description & Details
The Dennis Lab at UC Davis is hiring a senior research fellow to lead projects focused on characterizing genes implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, epilepsy, intellectual disability). 

The Dennis Lab:
By employing DNA sequencing methods with classic molecular and cellular biology techniques, the Dennis lab explores questions pertaining to disease genetics, human genomics & evolution, as well as gene expression & function. Our main focus is to identify previously unexplored genes and variants contributing to human-specific neurological traits and diseases. Projects in the lab range from using novel sequencing strategies to assay difficult genomic regions to generating mutant zebrafish to study the function of genes and mutations identified in patients with autism.

The PI and lab is highly committed to strong mentorship and promotion of diversity in science. More details on the group can be found at the lab webpage (www.dennislab.org).

The position:
We seek an enthusiastic senior trainee (minimum requirement of M.S. or Ph.D.) with a background in zebrafish genetics/development to lead projects focused on characterizing knockout mutants of genes implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. The lab currently has several mutant zebrafish lines generated in house using CRISPR gene editing. The candidate will perform immunohistochemistry, behavioral tracking, transcriptional profiling via RNA-seq, and general molecular biology techniques to characterize phenotypes associated with mutations. Additional duties include general administration and training of undergraduates. The lab is highly multidisciplinary and seek candidates open to learning from and teaching fellow colleagues. 

How to Apply/Contact:
Interested candidates should email Megan Dennis (mydennis@ucdavis.edu). Applicants should include a cover letter of their research experience and interest in the position, along with a CV. References should be available upon request. Informal inquiries and questions should be addressed to Megan.

University of Missouri

CELL BIOLOGY

Tenure Track Faculty Position

Assistant or Associate Professor

Division of Biological Sciences

 
The Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri (biology.missouri.edu) invites applications for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor. Candidates using innovative approaches to address important questions in cell biology are encouraged to apply. We seek an individual employing multiple approaches to investigate cellularprocesses involved in development, physiology or disease. We are particularly interested in individuals who are incorporating quantitative/computational approaches into their research. The successful candidate will establish and maintain a well-funded research program that complements our strengths in cell and molecular biology, genetics/genomics, evolution, and neurobiology. The position will provide excellent opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations with basic and translational scientists across the University of Missouri campus. 

The Division of Biological Sciences places a high value on diversity and inclusivity (https://biology.missouri.edu/diversity-outreach/diversity-statement/). We especially seek candidates with outstanding mentoring skills who welcome and appreciate the racial and cultural diversity of our academic community. We encourage applications from individuals who demonstrate a commitment towards inclusiveness and access to higher education for groups underrepresented in the sciences. 

We offer a competitive salary and start-up package, a vibrant graduate program with institutional support for students, a highly interactive faculty, and outstanding core facilities. Columbia, Missouri, is ranked among the top ten college towns in the U.S.

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.

Please apply online at https://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic. Use the online application and be prepared to upload (compiled into a single PDF) your CV; cover letter; a description of research plans and teaching interests; a diversity statement addressing contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and service; and names and contact information of three referees willing to write a letter if solicited. Applicants should contact the chair of the search committee (bioscifacultysearch@missouri.edu) with questions about the position and MU Human Resource Services (muhrs@missouri.edu) with questions about the application process.

Review of application materials will begin October 26, 2018. To ensure full consideration, applications should be complete by this date. The position will remain open until filled.

 
An equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer

The Torres-Vázquez lab studies the formation, remodeling and function of the vascular system in the zebrafish with emphasis on:

1. Vascularization of the central nervous system and blood-brain barrier differentiation during development and disease.

2. Mechanisms of vessel assembly and lumenization.

3. Anatomical patterning of angiogenic development by guidance cues.

 

Position available: 2018 and 2019

Links of interest: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=eTBw3VIAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

 

Desired qualifications:

Exceptional publication record.

Research experience with model organisms.

Practical knowledge of: genetics, cell biology, confocal microscopy, gene expression analysis, bioinformatics, genomics, cell culture or biochemistry.

 

To apply:

Email your CV to Dr. Jesús Torres-Vázquez (jtorresv@med.nyu.edu) using the subject line: Postdoctoral applicant 2018: Your name.

Include the following information at the top of your CV.

Name, address (city, state, country), telephone.

Availability date.

Degree(s), date(s) awarded and GPA(s).

Name, title, e-mail and phone number of three references.

Short paragraph describing your scientific interests, experience and career goals.

 

The Department of Genetics at the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing in Warsaw is seeking a candidate for a post-doctoral research assistant position in the framework of SONATA BIS6 project „Integrating whole genome sequencing and zebrafish functional studies to uncover new molecular basis of autosomal dominant hearing loss” funded by the National Science Center, Poland.

Research objectives:

Autosomal dominant hearing loss (ADHL) is the second most common form of hereditary hearing loss (HL) and detection rate of causative mutation reaches approximately 65%. This suggests that performing extensive genetic testing, based on high-throughput DNA sequencing on families with ADHL may lead to a discovery of novel disease genes. To determine the function of the newly identified genes/alleles in the development of the auditory organ we will use a zebrafish model system, which is a valuable animal model for studying development and function of the vertebrate inner ear. We will analyze hearing defects by investigating the morphology of the auditory system and use a range of behavioral studies testing the hearing responses and balance dependent on function of the hearing apparatus. The main purpose of the project is to detect novel molecular basis of ADHL and to implement the zebrafish animal model to dissect the underlying mechanism of action of the newly discovered genes and alleles. 

Requirements:

  1. PhD degree in biological, medical or other related fields obtained not earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project 
  2. experience in laboratory work in the field of genetics and molecular biology; experience in animal studies, in particular on the zebrafish model is highly desirable
  3. scientific achievements documented by publications in international journals from the JRC list
  4. high motivation for scientific work documented by scientific activities, e.g. participation in conferences, courses, obtained scholarships, grants, patents, awards, distinctions, participation in scientific exchange with other institutions
  5. proficiency in English (spoken and written)
  6. ability to present research results
  7. conscientiousness, accuracy and good organizational skills
  8. communicativeness and ability to work in a team


Candidate responsibilities:

Person employed at this position will conduct research tasks of the SONATA BIS6 project No. 2016/22/E/NZ5/00470 entitled "Integrating whole genome sequencing and zebrafish functional studies to uncover new molecular basis of autosomal dominant hearing loss". As part of the project, the post-doc will be required to thoroughly analyze the literature and data available in different databases, carry out next-generation sequencing (NGS) and functional experiments on a zebrafish model. The post-doc will be also obliged to analyze and present the results and prepare scientific papers.


Appointment terms:

• Full-time; time-definite employment (38 months)

• Gross salary 5900 PLN/month;

• Application deadline is September 21, 2018.


Application should contain:

  1. motivation letter with description of scientific interests
  2. CV with a list of scientific, didactic and organizational achievements (publications, conferences, workshops, etc.)
  3. copies of a PhD degree diploma and higher education diploma
  4. at least one recommendation letter 
  5. statement of consent to the processing of personal data: “I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data, included in the application documents by the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing in Warsaw, 10 M. Mochnackiego Str., 02-042 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process”

  

Modes of submitting applications:

Application documents should be sent by regular mail to the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, 10 M. Mochnackiego Street; 02-042 Warsaw, Poland. Please label your application with the following headword: “Competition for a post-doc position at the Department of Genetics IFPS". Documents should include the applicant’s name, mailing address and telephone number. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Applications will be evaluated by the recruitment committee headed by the project principal investigator – Monika Ołdak MD, PhD. Only selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

Questions regarding the recruitment process should be directed to: m.oldak@ifps.org.pl

Graduate Studies in Developmental Biology, Morphogenesis and Cardiovascular Research at the University of Mississippi

Our research seeks to investigate the fundamental question of how cardiac cells sense and respond to their environment. Focusing on tissue interactions we seek to understand the mechanisms underlying the regulation of morphogenic and identity transformations that occur during development and disease. We use the assembly of the heart tube in zebrafish as our model with which to elucidate these mechanisms. Some of the specific research questions we are interested in include:  How do multiple tissues interact to regulate large movements and biomechanical force? How do dynamic changes in the extracellular matrix regulate cardiac morphogenesis? How is lumen formation intrinsically and extrinsically encoded? and How is the plasticity of cardiovascular identity regulated? To answer these questions, we take an interdisciplinary approach, combining the genetic and imaging strengths of zebrafish with both biomechanics and systems-level methodologies.

If you are interested in joining our lab as a PhD student, please contact us directly at josh@olemiss.edu.

-More information about the laboratory can also be found at thebloomekatzlaboratory.org.

-Additional positions are also available in our interdisciplinary graduate program in the department of Biology at the University of Mississippi. For more information about our graduate program including rotations please see biology.olemiss.edu