[Drosophila] PhD and postdoc positions to study mechanosensation

[mgoepfe from gwdg.de]

Work on Mechanosensation at the University of Gottingen

We are seeking a highly motivated and energetic PhD students and  
postdoctoral fellows to join the research group of Martin Gopfert in  
the Department of Cellular Neurobiology at the University of  
Gottingen, Germany.

Project description:
Our lab studies the molecular basis of mechanosensation in Drosophila  
using biomechanical, neurophysiological, and molecular biology  
techniques. Various mechanosensory relevant genes have been identified  
in mutant screens, including TRP ion channels and motors that may be  
mechanotransducer components as well as relatives of various  
mechanosensory relevant human genes. The projects will focus on the  
detailed analysis of the roles of certain gene products in the process  
of mechanosensation, including studies of gene expression patterns,  
protein localization, and protein/mechanosensory cell function.  
Methods will include standard molecular biology techniques, the  
generation of transgenic flies, electrophysiology, laser Doppler  
vibrometry, and life imaging of intracellular calcium signals.

The projects will be embedded in the newly established Collaborative  
Research Center “Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing”, the  
Göttingen Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, and the DFG  
Research Center “Molecular Physiology of the Brain”.

Requirements:
• A master, Diploma, or Ph.D. in the biological life sciences.
• Experience/Expertise in Drosophila Genetics and ideally a strong  
background in cell and molecular biology or neurobiology and biophysics.
• The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, display  
excellent interpersonal communication skills, and a desire to work  
with others on large projects.

Selected Publications:
• Kamikouchi et al., Nature 458, 165-171 (2009).
• Bechstedt et al., Nature Commun 1, 11 (2010).
• Kamikouchi et al., Nature Protoc 5, 1229 - 1235 (2010).

To apply:
Please send your application including a letter describing your goals  
and why this position appeals to you, a CV and two letters of  
recommendation to Prof. Dr. Martin Gopfert, E-mail: mgoepfe from gwdg.de.  
Please indicate “Flybase ad" in the subject line of the e-mail.  
Closing date is February 20th, 2011.


-- 
Professor Dr. Martin Göpfert
Cellular Neurobiology
University of Göttingen
Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine
Hermann-Rein-Str. 3
37075 Göttingen, Germany
Tel.: 0049 (0)551 3899 437
E-mail: mgoepfe from gwdg.de