Monday 28 May 2012

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neuroscience

The Laboratory of Neurogenetics in the Neuroscience Research Partnership seeks a postdoctoral research fellow. The Laboratory 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. Further information at the lab's page.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Behavioural Neuroscience

(Ref : BMSI/NRP/ACC/RF/02052012)

We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow to investigate the relationship between olfactory stimuli, reward and punishment stimuli and behavioral output. The project will require a significant effort towards designing and developing new apparati, so will require a neuroscientist with some experience with engineering, or an engineer/physicist interested in transitioning to neuroscience.

Responsibilities:
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 and/or develop 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

Requirements:
A candidate must have:
  • A high level of motivation and a keen interest in neuroscience

  • A PhD or equivalent

  • A strong background in and knowledge of behavioral neuroscience. Candidates with backgrounds in physics or engineering who have experience in neuroscience will be considered.

  • 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, the use and programming of software for data analysis and statistics (including MATLAB, SciPy and/or other statistical packages), apparatus design & testing, real-time apparatus control methods including stimulus delivery and control, neurogenetic and neuropharmacological experiments, fluorescence microscopy, laser confocal microscopy, image analysis (ImageJ, Zeiss LSM Browser, PhotoShop, Metamorph and/or MATLAB) and neuroanatomical analysis (e.g. Neurolucida).
  • Would benefit from a knowledge of other techniques including: use and development of air flow, microfluidic or other fluidic devices, 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.
  • For physical sciences candidates: a demonstrated interest in neuroscience; expertise in LabVIEW, MATLAB and Python or equivalent; practical experience in mechanical design including familiarity with CAD. Beneficial would be a background in microelectronics, microfluidics, electronics prototyping and PCB design, machine vision, mechatronics, fluid mechanics; experience in optics and photonics, including laser scanning imaging systems (multiphoton and confocal microscopy).

Interested applicants are welcome to write in with a detailed resume, supporting documents and contact information to Human Resources Department, Neuroscience Research Partnership, 61 Biopolis Drive, #02-12, Proteos Building, Singapore 138673; or email to recruit@nrp.a-star.edu.sg.

The reference number and position that you are applying for should be indicated in the subject title and/or cover letter of your application. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.

BMSI Business Centre (BBC)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research

20 Biopolis Way
#07-01 Centros

Singapore 138668
Tel: +65 6826 6395

Fax: +65 6478 9728