Jobs :: Graduate-level Program in Neuroscience

Postdoctoral position in Lausanne

Postdoctoral position to study astrocyte-synapse communication with combined patch-clamp electrophysiology and two photon microscopy

Group: Prof. Andrea Volterra
Department of Cell Biology and Morphology, University of Lausanne (UNIL)

We are seeking a post-doctoral fellow with experience in electrophysiology and/or dynamic cellular imaging techniques, interested in studying rapid synapse-astrocyte communication in acute brain slices, in normal and pathological conditions, combining patch-clamp and two-photon microscopy.

Our lab is interested in the active role of astrocytes in synaptic functions, via Ca2+-dependent release of glutamate and other gliotransmitters (Nature 391: 281-5, 1998; Nature Neurosci, 7: 613-620, 2004; Nature Neurosci. 10: 331-9, 2007; reviewed in Nature Rev. Neurosci. 6: 626-640, 2005). We are also interested in defining the role of altered astrocyte-synapse communication in neuron-damaging processes (Nature Neurosci. 4: 702-10, 2001), by use of transgenic models of brain pathologies, including Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information:
http://www-ibcm.unil.ch/volterra_pres_en.html

The present project involves studies of Ca2+ dynamics in astrocytes with high spatial-temporal resolution in relation to intrinsic and synapse-evoked activity or to two-photon uncaging. These studies are aimed at understanding the rules underlying the coding of neuronal activity into Ca2+ signals in astrocytes as well as those underlying regulated release of transmitter by astrocytic Ca2+ signals.

The ideal candidate will master dynamic cellular imaging approaches and/or electrophysiology. A background in synaptic physiology and knowledge of glial cell biology are preferential. The candidate will have a responsibility position in the “imaging” section of the Volterra’s group, and will work in an environment including neurophysiologists, imaging specialists and engineers as well as the Cellular Imaging Facility,
UNIL-CHUV (www2.unil.ch/cif/). Native English speakers are very welcome.

Send application containing curriculum vitae, list of 2-3 references and concise statement of research interests by email to Andrea.Volterra@unil.ch, indicating “2P-patch post-doc” in the subject field.

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FACULTY POSITION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AT REYKJAVIK UNIVERSITY

Reykjavik University (www.ru.is) is looking to fill one or more positions in biomedical engineering. Potential recruits with research experience in neural engineering or bioinformatics are strongly encouraged to apply.

Currently the university is in a start-up phase with large plans for expansion with a new university building opening in the fall of 2009 and a dedicated research building a year later. Our mission is to become an internationally recognized research university and a new faculty member can significantly influence how this mission unfolds. A successful candidate is expected to build a research group and will also have opportunities for teaching and advising undergraduate and graduate students. The position offers a prospect to participate in the shaping of a new and emerging discipline within a fast growing entrepreneurial university.

We are looking for candidates with ambitions to conduct outstanding research of high international standard. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in biomedical engineering or related fields and be established members of the international research community. Demonstrated teaching excellence is appreciated.

Position levels can range from assistant professor to full professor, depending on the qualifications of the applicant. Salary level is negotiable and relocation assistance is offered. The position is available immediately but starting date is negotiable. All applications will be considered. We may fill more than one position, depending on the number of qualified applicants.

Informal communication and discussions are encouraged; please contact the dean of the Reykjavik University School of Science and Engineering, Gunnar G. Tomasson (gunnargt@ru.is), for further information.

Formal applications should be sent by email to appl@ru.is (subject: “Biomedical Engineering”) and should include a CV; a list of publications; two or three major publications; a statement of research; a statement of teaching and a list of contacts for references.

We will review applications as they arrive. As we expect to recruit several faculty members for this group over the next two years, please do not hesitate to contact us at a later date.

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FACULTY POSITION IN STATISTICAL GENETICS AT REYKJAVIK UNIVERSITY

Reykjavik University (RU) School of Science and Engineering in collaboration with The Icelandic Heart Association (IHA) is looking for a statistical geneticist. The position can be at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor levels and involves analysis of data collected in the NIH-funded
Age Gene/Environment-Reykjavik Study (AGES-Reykjavik) and other studies at IHA. The scientist will analyze genetic polymorphism data generated in large population based studies, including analysis of genome-wide datasets.
Position requirements are a PhD or similar education in statistical genetics and experience in working with large datasets. Flexible work arrangements are possible. IHA and Reykjavik University hold numerous international collaborators and work closely with universities and institutes in Europe and USA.

RU (www.ru.is) is a young vibrant university located in Reykjavik Iceland.
The university is going through rapid expansion, including a new university building opening in 2009, hiring of new international faculty and holds ample oppertunities for faculty memebers of talent and drive.

IHA (www.hjarta.is) is a nonprofit institute that was founded in 1964 to battle cardiovascular illness in Iceland. The purpose of IHA is to conduct research into the causes of heart disease, educate the public about prevention of cardiovascular diseases and provide individual risk evaluations. Over the last 40 years, IHA has conducted large-scale studies of over 30,000 men and women born in Iceland between 1907 and 1935. The research has focused on the multiple causes of disability in old age including heart disease, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s. IHA is a recognized leader in the world-wide effort to discover and integrate scientific knowledge in order to enhance the quality of life for both young and old.

For further information please contact Vilmundur Gudnason MD, PhD director of IHA (v.gudnason@hjarta.is) or Gunnar G. Tomasson Sc.D. Dean of the school of science and engineering at Reykjavik University (gunnargt@ru.is)
Applications should include a CV, a list of publications, a statement of prior research, a list of contacts for references and other relevant information. Copies of two or three major publications may also be included in the application. Please send your application materials to Appl@ru.is.
The position is available immediately and we will review applications as they arrive.