Postdoctoral Position-Neural Circuit Development in C. elegans

A postdoctoral position is available in the Chuang laboratory in the Division of Developmental Biology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation.  We are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which neurons differentiate and assemble into functional circuits, using the small roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimental organism (Chuang and Bargmann 2005, Chuang et. al., 2007).  The lab uses a multidisciplinary approach that integrates genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, electrophysiology and live imaging to address this question.  To learn more about the lab, please visit http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/div/dev-biology/fac-labs/chuang/

This position involves the study of a gap junction network that coordinates left-right neuronal asymmetry.  Prior experience in C. elegans is helpful but not a prerequisite.  Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree (for less than three years) in genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, neurobiology, biochemistry or similar with experience in molecular biology techniques.  Interested candidates please send a brief cover letter describing research experience, CV, and names and contact information of three references to Dr. Chiou-Fen Chuang at Chiou-Fen.Chuang@cchmc.org.

References:

Chuang, C.-F., VanHoven, M. K., Fetter, R. D., Verselis, V. K., and Bargmann, C. I.  An

innexin-dependent cell network establishes left-right neuronal asymmetry in C. elegans. Cell, in press.

Chuang, C.-F. and Bargmann, C. I. (2005).  A Toll-interleukin 1 repeat protein at the synapse specifies asymmetric odorant receptor expression via ASK1 MAPKKK signaling.  Genes & Dev. 19, 270-281. (http://www.genesdev.org/cgi/content/full/19/2/270)