[Drosophila] Post-doc position: Live imaging in the growth zone of Tribolium

[Michalis Averof]

Post-doctoral position in Evo-Devo
Live imaging in the growth zone of Tribolium

A post-doctoral position in comparative developmental biology is 
available in the group of Michalis Averof, at the Institute of 
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) in Crete. The position is 
funded by the Marie Curie Programme CELLIMAGE. The aim of the project 
is to establish live cell imaging approaches to study axis elongation 
and segmentation in the beetle Tribolium castaneum.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with interests in 
developmental biology and imaging/microscopy. Applicants should have 
a PhD or at least 4 years of graduate research experience. Experience 
in developmental biology, microscopy, live imaging and/or image 
analysis is desirable. Training in a range of molecular developmental 
approaches will be provided in the host lab. Candidates may have to 
undertake short periods of training in foreign centres of excellence, 
such as the EMBL Advanced Light Microscopy Facility.

The working language of the group is English.
Lab info: http://www.imbb.forth.gr/people/averof/

Project
Segments are generated sequentially from posterior populations of 
cells with stem-cell properties in arthropods, annelids and 
vertebrates. Previous studies have described the role of these cell 
populations in axis elongation and segmentation, but the role and 
behaviour of individual cells within them (stem-cell properties, cell 
fate decisions, lineage restrictions) has not been determined. This 
is a major unsolved issue for the origin and evolution of 
segmentation. We will combine transgenesis with live embryo imaging 
to trace the behaviour of individual cells in the growth zone of the 
beetle Tribolium castaneum.

Fellowship
-	Starting date is between September 2008 and January 2009.
-	The position is available for a period of 24 months.
-	The salary will be approximately 25,000 Euro per year (net), 
plus contributions for social security and income tax.
-	Researchers will also be eligible for an annual travel 
allowance and a one-off career exploration allowance of 2,000 Euro.

Marie Curie eligibility criteria
-	Candidates of all nationalities may apply.
-	Candidates must have at least 4 and no more than 10 years 
(full time equivalent) of research experience after graduation.
-	At the start of their fellowship, researchers may not have 
resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in 
Greece for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to 
the appointment.
-	Greek nationals may apply only if they can provide evidence 
that they resided and carried out their main activity (work, studies, 
etc) in a third (non-EU) country for at least 4 of the last 5 years 
immediately prior to the deadline.

Applicants should send their enquiries/application to Michalis 
Averof, by email (averof from imbb.forth.gr). They should also ask two 
referees to send letters of recommendation to the same electronic 
address. Applications will be accepted until 1st May 2008, but 
applicants are encouraged to make enquiries as early as possible, to 
allow time for discussion of the project.

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Michalis Averof
Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB)
711 10 Iraklio Crete, Greece

tel. +30-2810-391158
http://www.imbb.forth.gr/people/averof