[Drosophila] Postdoc: Functional Genetics of Drosophila Aging

[Thomas Flatt]

Vienna, Austria: POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN DROSOPHILA AGING

A postdoctoral research position in the genetics of Drosophila aging  
is available in the group of Thomas Flatt at the University of  
Veterinary Medicine (Department of Biomedical Research, Institute of  
Population Genetics), Vienna, Austria. The postdoc position is funded  
by a grant from the Austrian Science Foundation (FWF) and will be for  
three years.

This research project will focus on the identification of the  
molecular basis of the trade-off between reproduction and lifespan in  
the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, a powerful genetic model  
system. In many organisms, from fruit flies to humans, reproduction  
shortens lifespan, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown (see  
Flatt & Promislow 2007 in Science). Experiments in C. elegans suggest  
that hormonal signals from the gonad affect longevity (Hsin & Kenyon  
1999 in Nature), and we have recently found that germline ablation  
extends lifespan and affects insulin signaling in Drosophila (Flatt et  
al. 2008 in PNAS). However, the details of this systemic regulation of  
lifespan by the reproductive system remain unclear. In our project we  
are interested in dissecting the hormonal and metabolic mechanisms  
that modulate the reproduction-longevity trade-off. By employing  
mutant and transgene analysis, genetic manipulation of the gonad,  
epistasis experiments, metabolic measurements, and hormonal  
manipulations we will examine the endocrine mechanisms whereby signals  
from the reproductive system modulate adult longevity and physiology.

We are seeking a talented, independent, hard-working and self- 
motivated young biologist with good social skills. The successful  
candidate will have a Ph.D. and a strong background in genetics and  
molecular biology using the Drosophila system. Some background in the  
biology of aging, evolutionary biology, and/or endocrinology would be  
ideal, but is not required. The working language in the laboratory is  
English, so the candidate should be proficient in spoken and written  
English. German skills, although helpful, are not essential. The  
initial appointment will be made for one year, with a possible  
extension to up to three years. The annual salary is 56,110 Euro  
(before tax). The position is available as of now, but the starting  
date is negotiable.

In a 2009 world-wide survey by the William M. Mercer Institute, Vienna  
ranked first world-wide in terms of standards of living. Vienna is a  
beautiful, historical yet modern city, located in the heart of Europe,  
close to the Alps and to major cities like Munich, Zurich, Prague, and  
Budapest. Being famous for its concert sites, opera houses, theathers,  
museums, and coffee shops, Vienna also provides great outdoor  
activities, such as sailing on the Neusiedler See, ice skating, biking  
and hiking in the Viennese woods and the nearby Alps. Moreover, the  
city has a wide range of great restaurants, bars, wineries, cinemas,  
clubs, libraries, galleries, and art collections. The Vienna area is  
also an exceptional and highly international research environment.  
Four major life science universities and three world-class research  
institutes (GMI, IMBA, IMP) provide a dynamic and interactive setting.  
Vienna hosts an active Drosophila community, and the onsite  
availability of the Drosophila RNAi center (VDRC) provides a great  
opportunity for functional Drosophila work. In population genetics and  
evolutionary biology, the Vienna research area also provides excellent  
prospects, due to a growing number of evolutionary research groups.

To apply, please send a single pdf file including: (1) a cover letter  
explaining why you would like to join our group, (2) your Curriculum  
Vitae (including a description of your skills), (3) your publication  
list, (4) a statement of research interests, and (5) contact details  
for 2-3 references who are willing to write a reference letter on your  
behalf to the following e-mail address: thomas.flatt from vetmeduni.ac.at  
Informal inquiries are welcome and should be sent to the same e-mail  
address. For further information see (http://i122server.vu-wien.ac.at/pop/Flatt_website/flatt_home.html 
).

The deadline for submission is 15 August 2010.

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Dr. Thomas Flatt
Institute of Population Genetics
Department of Biomedical Sciences
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Veterinärplatz 1
A-1210 Wien
Austria/Europe

VOX +43-1-25077-4334
FAX +43-1-25077-4390
E-mail: thomas.flatt from vetmeduni.ac.at

Lab Website:
http://i122server.vu-wien.ac.at/pop/Flatt_website/flatt_home.html

Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics:
http://www.popgen-vienna.at