Job announcement
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Sars Centre in Bergen (Norway)
application deadline: 15.11.2009
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[printable version .pdf]
Evolutionary Developmental Biology of acoel flatworms
The Sars Centre in Bergen (Norway) is offering one postdoctoral position for two years in the Comparative Developmental Biology of Animals group (Group Leader Andreas Hejnol). The group is interested in the evolution of the organ systems and studies the development of different invertebrate taxa at the cellular and molecular level. Research in the group combines the use of advanced microscopical techniques with molecular approaches in diverse marine organisms. Primary focus of the research is on the development of acoels, marine worms which form the sister group to all remaining bilaterian animals. Their phylogenetic position in the tree of life makes them key organisms for studying the evolution of body axis formation, germ layer specification and nervous system centralization.
The position/project involves the use of established molecular methods, as well as the development of functional approaches to address specific questions regarding organ system evolution and germ layer specification. Although the primary focus of the project will be on acoel development it is not limited to this animal group. Applicants should have a strong interest in evolutionary developmental biology and a solid background in molecular and/or cell biology. Prior experience with the use of experimental methods to manipulate gene expression such as RNA interference, morpholinos etc. is desirable. Additional skills in genomics and bioinformatics are a clear plus. The position is available immediately; the start date is negotiable.
The Sars International Centre is a partner of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), www.embl.de and a department of Unifob www.unifob.no, affiliated with the University of Bergen www.uib.no. The Centre is focused on basic research in marine molecular biology, developmental biology and evolution, through genetic and comparative studies of invertebrates and vertebrates.
Salary for Postdoctoral Researcher (code 8151) start at NOK 436.800 depending on seniority. Unifob has employee insurance and pension agreements and is an equal opportunity employer.
For further information regarding the position and scientific content of the project please contact Dr. Andreas Hejnol, Group Leader: andreas.hejnol@sars.uib.no, or see our website www.sars.uib.no.
Written application, in English, should include a C.V., a summary of educational and work experience, a brief statement of research interest and contact information for two references. Please mark application “09Sars16” and mail to: Head of Administration, Sars Centre, Bergen High Technology Centre, Thormøhlensgt. 55, N-5008 Bergen, Norway. Deadline for applications is 15. November 2009. Please note that applications sent by e-mail will not be considered.
