Postdoc position: New York University, Fitch Lab

Genome Regulatory Network of Sexual Dimorphism: Development and Evolution

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Prof. David Fitch at New York University (Greenwich Village, New York City) to study how morphogenesis is regulated in males of Caenorhabditis elegans and related nematodes. Sexual dimorphism of tail tip morphogenesis has evolved convergently in several lineages of nematodes related to C. elegans and offers a powerful genetic/genomic system for dissecting this process at a very fine scale. One goal is to use genomic-level (e.g. ChIP-seq) and single-cell transcriptomics methodologies already established in the lab to delineate gene expression dynamics of male tail morphogenesis in C. elegans and related species. From these data, we would like to infer the architecture of the genetic regulatory network (GRN) controlling this process and eventually reconstruct its evolution in convergent lineages. Ultimately, such data are required for addressing if and how GRN architecture canalizes evolutionary change, as well as for understanding how sexual dimorphism originates.

The Fitch lab is a part of the Biology Department at NYU, and has access to a full range of facilities for the project, including access to a genomics/bioinformatics core facility, high-resolution microscopy, laser microdissection, the NYU Rhabditid Collection (over 150 different species of nematodes related to C. elegans), culture facilities, and standard molecular biology and genetics facilities. The postdoc will join a community of other C. elegans biologists and developmental geneticists, enjoying access to their collective wisdom and resources. The department and school also maintain excellent mentoring programs for postdocs, who have multiple opportunities for participating in the vibrant academic environment of NYU and the city in which it resides.

Funding is currently available for a two-year period, with the opportunity to be extended into subsequent years. Prior experience in C. elegans genetics and molecular biology is preferred. Knowledge regarding bioinformatics analyses and tools is advantageous. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please send CV and contact information for at least two people who can serve as references to: david.fitch@nyu.edu

David Fitch
Department of Biology and Center for Developmental Genetics
New York University
100 Washington Place
New York, NY 10003