A highly motivated candidate is invited to join the Busch Lab at the Centre for Integrative Physiology as a postdoctoral researcher for a full-time 1.5-year position funded by the Wellcome Trust.
The lab uses Caenorhabditis elegans to understand how neural circuits process sensory information in vivo, and tackles this question at the genetic, cellular, circuit and behavioural level with functional imaging, microfluidics, optogenetics and other advanced tools. In this project we will investigate the plasticity and dynamics of gap junction communication in neural circuits. The post holder will use functional neuronal imaging, behavioural assays, genetics and advanced microscopy techniques to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the plasticity of electrical coupling, both in the short and long term.
Requirements:
The successful candidate will have or be close to obtaining a Ph.D. in a relevant field, and should have either experience in working with C. elegans, or expertise in studying gap junctions/electrical synapses. Desirable but not essential skills are one or more of the following: experience in Ca2+ imaging, confocal fluorescence microscopy, behavioural assays, genetics, statistical analysis of data, biochemical assays, cell culture or electrophysiology. The candidate should have a record of productive research and a strong desire to pursue an outstanding research career. She/he is expected to be active in developing and implementing their project and to collaborate closely with other members of the team. A good command of English, the ability to work independently and to contribute to an enthusiastic working atmosphere are required.
Environment:
The candidate will benefit from training in a vibrant intellectual and collaborative environment and state-of-the-art facilities. Our lab is closely integrated with two other C. elegans labs. The expertise and technical facilities of our groups are wide-ranging and complementary, offering the post holder excellent opportunities for future career development. The Centre for Integrative Physiology offers an ideal and collaborative environment to pursue our research, with 50 groups using diverse models and systems to explore neural function from molecular studies up to systems-level questions. The Centre is embedded in Edinburgh Neuroscience as one of the top neuroscience clusters in the UK, offering outstanding core facilities.
Further information:
The post is fully funded for an initial term of 18 months. Candidates will be encouraged and supported to apply for personal funding to extend their tenure in the lab.
Closing Date is 9th of September 2016. Start date is 1st of October 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter.
For informal inquiries please contact Emanuel Busch: emanuel.busch@ed.ac.uk
For further particulars and to apply visit: https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=037030
More information about our group can be found at http://www.ed.ac.uk/integrative-physiology/staff-profiles/research-groups/emanuel-busch