Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft e.V.

application deadline: 31.5.2010
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(printable version .pdf)

DFG Research Unit FOR 1234
iBeetle:
Functional Genomics of Insect Development and Metamorphosis

We seek highly motivated individuals to join our genome-wide RNAi screen in the beetle Tribolium castaneum. This project aims at identifying all genes relevant for embryonic development and metamorphosis in an insect less derived than Drosophila.

The screening will take approximately one year and will be performed in two teams that work in Erlangen and Göttingen, respectively. Each gene will be injected into two stages. The pupal injection screen will reveal phenotypes in embryos (cuticle phenotype and leg muscele development) in addition to sterility and metamorphosis.The larval injection screen is aimed at identifying steritily and metamorphic phenotypes (cuticle and muscles). Each student will perform the screening according to one of the procedures and document all types of phenotypes.

The screening schedule requires approximately 28 hours hands on time per week. Please be aware that the schedule requires to perform the steps within certain time windows which also includes work on weekends. However, sharing work between screening team members, technicians and student helpers will allow some degree of flexibility.

After the screening, each student/postdoc will select genes of interest from the entire dataset for detailed analysis. As this selection is based on a dataset that comprises half of the genes of Tribolium, we expect that most exciting phenotypes will be available. This work will be performed indiviudally in the labs of the respective PIs in Göttingen, Erlangen and Cologne.

We will start the project beginning of Septemer with a meeting of the entire team in Göttingen. Besides a scientific introduction to the project you will come to know our beetle and the respective techniques. Of course there will be enough leisure time to know the other members of the screening team. Unfortunately, we will not be able to consider applicants that are not able to join us then.

Positions:
1 Postdoc (Göttingen) E13 TVL (100%)
You will participate in the screen and coordinate the execution of this collaborative exercise. Experience with the model organism Tribolium and/or RNAi, as well as excellent communication skills are required. It is our wish to support female researchers to become independent group leaders in the next funding period. Therefore, applications of experienced female postdocs are highly welcome.

6 PhD students (Göttingen, Erlangen, Cologne) E13 TVL (50-65%)
The screening will be performed in close collaboration of all screening personnel. Therefore, excellent communication skills are required in addition to enthusiasm for animal development and genetic analysis. The tight screening schedule requires a high degree of diligence.

All positions are fixed term (3 years from August/Sept. 2010). The involved institutions are equal opportunities employers and strive to foster the career opportunities for female scientists. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. Disabled persons with equivalent aptitude for the position will be favored.

Application details
Apply until May 31th by sending an e-mail with one pdf document containing

- A cover letter explaining why you would like to perform the project. Please indicate at what locations you would be willing to work (Göttingen, Erlangen) and whether you would be willing to move to Cologne for the detailed analysis.
- A short CV (including grades for BSc and MSc/Dipl) and percentile (if available) and the techniques you are familiar with.
- A summary of your Master/Diploma project (300 words maximum)
- Copies of respective certificates if available (school, BSc, MSc/Dipl).
- Contact details of one scientist that could provide an additional letter of reference upon request.

Please also provide a letter of recommendation using the document provided here. This document can be sent electronically by the referee.

Please send to "gbucher1 (at) uni-goettingen.de"


	© 03.05.2010 Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft e.V., DZG