We are looking for candidates to take up a PhD or postdoctoral position in the López-Schier laboratory at the Helmholtz Zentrum in Munich, Germany.
1. One position is to work within a project that initiated through funding by the European Research Council, and that attempts to understand the fundamental bases of directional mechanosensation using the lateral line of the zebrafish as experimental system. Preference will be given to candidates with theoretical or practical knowledge in electrophysiology, optogenetics and/or animal behavior. Knowledge of computer programming and optics is ideal, but not essential.
2. A second position is for a candidate with a strong theoretical background in physics or engineering, to work on sensory-information transmission and processing during animal behaviour. Knowledge of computer programming is essential.
Qualifications & skills – University studies in biology-related sciences, physics or engineering (PhD) – Ideally having recently completed or about to complete a PhD (Postdoctoral) – Having published or likely to publish at least one first-author paper in a first/second tier journal (Postdoctoral) – Candidates for either position should have a strong inner drive, independence, and willingness to work in a highly interdisciplinary team – A good command of the English language is essential Applications should include a letter of presentation, a CV and the names and contact information of three academic references.
Laboratory – The team’s projects are interdisciplinary, and are aimed at understanding the basic rules that sensory systems use to guide animal behaviour. In particular, we are interested in directional mechanosensation. We use confocal, spinning-disc and light-sheet microscopy imaging of zebrafish lines genetically engineered to express fluorescent sensors in subsets of sensory receptors and neurons, genome engineering to inactivate gene function or to modify cellular activities, laser nanosurgery, immunohistochemistry, behavioural analyses and body kinematics.
Environment – The Helmholtz Zentrum in an innovative, well-equipped and scientifically stimulating Research Centre located in the outskirts of Munich, one of the most attractive and innovative major cities in Germany. Situated at the foothills of the Alps, Munich is ranked among the cities with the highest quality of life in Europe.
Contact – Please, apply via electronic mail only, including a cover letter with a short statement of research interests and motivation, a Curriculum Vitae including a list of names and email-addresses for two/three academic references, to:
Dr. Hernán López-Schier
Reserach Unit Sensory Biology & Organogenesis
Helmholtz Zentrum München
Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1 85764
Neuherberg – Munich, Germany
E-mail: hernan.lopez-schier@helmholtz-muenchen.de
http://www.gsn.uni-muenchen.de/people/faculty/associate/lopezschier/index.html