The community site for and by
developmental and stem cell biologists

Postdoc position studying polarized axon outgrowth in Ciona

Posted by , on 19 March 2021

Job type: Postdoc

Location: Atlanta, GA

Closing Date: 31 December 2021

We have an open position immediately available for a postdoc to study the transcriptional regulation of polarized axon outgrowth in the simple embryos of the tunicate Ciona, taking advantage of their simplicity at the genetic and cellular levels. The larval central nervous system (CNS) of Ciona is a miniaturized but typically chordate CNS containing only 177 neurons, and represents only the second complete “connectome” ever mapped. The tractability and low-cost of Ciona embryos make them especially suited for candidates who plan on starting a research program at primarily undergraduate institutions. In fact, part of the proposed project includes outreach initiatives aimed at involving both undergraduates and high school students in applying cutting-edge techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, RNAseq, and optogenetics to addressing fundamental questions in chordate neurodevelopment.

a) Diagram of the Ciona larval nervous system. b) Larva showing cholinergic CNS neurons labeled by electroporation of VAChT reporter plasmid. c) CNS development in Ciona.

 

In this specific project, we are trying to dissect a regulatory network for the intrinsic control of neuronal polarization and polarized axon outgrowth in the descending decussating neurons (ddNs), a single left/right pair of neurons proposed to be homologous to vertebrate Mauthner cells. This builds on our recent papers, and capitalizes on the lab’s contributions to developing and adapting the latest methods for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated, tissue-specific gene knockouts.

a) Pair of ddNs labeled by Dmbx reporter plasmid. b) Fixed series images of MG cells labeled with fluorescent Golgi apparatus (green) and histone (pink) reporters, showing Golgi position inversion. c) ddN cytosol labeled with CFP (white) showing axon projecting medially. d) Pax3/7 overexpression in the MG results in ectopic ddNs that project across the midline.

 

NSF funding is available starting immediately, with the possibility of extension pending further funding support. Our lab (www.tunicates.org) is at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), located near downtown Atlanta, GA, USA, a dynamic, multicultural city boasting a vibrant neurobiology and biomedical research community fostered by Georgia Tech together with nearby Emory University and Georgia State University.

Georgia Tech campus overlooking the Atlanta skyline and Krone Building where our lab is located.

To inquire, please contact alberto.stolfi@biosci.gatech.edu

Salary: $52,000

Start date: 19 March 2021

Closing Date: 31 December 2021

Scientific fields: Neural development

Model systems: Other invertebrate

Duration: Fixed term

Minimum qualifications: PhD degree, work experience in molecular biology and microscopy, experience with Ciona a major plus

Get involved

Create an account or log in to post your story on the Node.

Sign up for emails

Subscribe to our mailing lists.

Do you have any news to share?

Our ‘Developing news’ posts celebrate the various achievements of the people in the developmental and stem cell biology community. Let us know if you would like to share some news.