We are looking to hire a Postdoctoral Fellow in Behavioural Neuroscience to join our lab in Singapore.
The Neuroscience Research Partnership (NRP) is in an exciting expansion phase and has grown to 17 groups at Duke-NUS GMS, and 5 A-STAR groups at Biopolis since 2007. The recently formed Laboratory of Neurogenetics under the direction of Dr Adam Claridge-Chang focuses on analysing essential brain functions with behavioural, genetic, anatomical and physiological methods, with an aim to discovering some of the basic components and mechanisms that underlie psychiatric and cognitive dysfunction. The laboratory uses Drosophila neurogenetic methods combined with ongoing molecular, instrumentation and analytical tool development and application to understand the molecules and circuits that support learning. The lab is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral scientist to investigate how the brain alters preference for an olfactory stimulus.
A candidate must have:
- A high level of motivation and a keen interest in neuroscience
- A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field
- A strong background and knowledge of behavioral neuroscience
- Strong computer skills for recording, analyzing and organizing data
- An ability to work closely with other scientists and an ability to quickly learn new techniques
- Excellent communication, teamwork and project management skills
- Experience in scientific sourcing & procurement
- Relevant skill set to perform the following techniques to their project: behavioural experimentation including videographic analysis, neurogenetic and neuropharmacological experiments, the use and programming of software for data analysis and statistics (including MATLAB, Excel, R and/or other statistical packages), apparatus design & testing, real-time apparatus control methods including stimulus delivery and control, fluorescence microscopy, laser confocal microscopy, image analysis (ImageJ, Zeiss LSM Browser, PhotoShop, Metamorph and/or MATLAB) and neuroanatomical analysis (e.g. Neurolucida)
- Knowledge of other techniques including: Drosophila genetics, molecular biology (subcloning methods including restriction digests, PCR and gel electrophoresis), methods for analysis of DNA and protein sequence (BLAST, Vector NTI, etc.), protein analytical methods, use of genetically-encoded indicators (GFP and derivatives, luciferase), analysis of gene expression (Q-PCR, Northern blotting, in situ hybridization), immunohistochemistry, fine-scale brain dissection, graphic design (e.g. Adobe Illustrator), database use (e.g. Filemaker Pro), electronics, electrophysiology, optogenetic physiology and two-photon microscopy. Training will be available in some or all of these techniques where needed and appropriate.
Your main duties would include but are not limited to the following:
- To pursue one or more projects using the above described methods and others as necessary for the project
- To learn new methodologies when necessary or useful
- To participate in the education and training of other staff as appropriate
- To acquire and maintain knowledge of the literature relevant to the project
- To attend appropriate scientific seminars and meetings and to remain current with the broader field of neurogenetics
- To effectively analyse your results
- To regularly communicate your results to the rest of the laboratory members
- To work with colleagues on collaborative projects
- To share responsibility for the housekeeping of the laboratory area, general maintenance tasks and fly stock maintenance
- To conduct scientific sourcing and procurement
- To share responsibility with others for the safety in the laboratory
- To perform any other duties as may be required from time to time to ensure the efficient running of the laboratory
Interested applicants are welcome to fax or write in with a detailed resume, supporting documents and contact numbers by 31 January 2011 to:
Human Resources Department,
Neuroscience Research Partnership,
61 Biopolis Drive,
Level 2, #02-12,
Proteos Building,
Singapore 138673;
Fax: 6779 1117
or email to: recruit@nrp.a-star.edu.sg.
Please note that your subject title and/or cover letter should indicate the reference number (Ref no: PN/ACC/PDF-BN/30122010/Google) and position that you are applying for. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
