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Postdoc position studying Butterfly Visual System Development

Posted by , on 21 January 2020

Closing Date: 15 March 2021

—–POSTDOCTORAL POSITION—–

Butterfly Visual System Development

We are seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates to join the Perry lab at the University of California, San Diego. Our group uses genetic and genomic approaches to study the development and evolution of neural systems. We use the insect visual system as a model to understand how the genome encodes the complexity of the brain and nervous system. We are interested in the mechanisms that generate the exquisite diversity of ways in which animals perceive and interact with the world.

We are specifically seeking independent, passionate, and highly motivated applicants for a postdoctoral position to study the evolution and development of butterfly color vision, with a focus on understanding the specific genetic changes that produce a more complex retinal mosaic. Butterflies have doubled the number of R7 photoreceptors in their retinas, allowing for an increased number of color comparisons (see Perry et al. Nature 2016). We use CRISPR to test gene function directly in developing butterfly retinas. A second part of this project will be aimed at understanding how the brain interprets this additional input and the role of developmental plasticity. A portion of the work will involve making Drosophila retinas more like butterfly retinas, and then using sophisticated genetic tools in Drosophila to understand the impact on downstream neural circuits. A Ph.D. in the biological sciences with at least three years of laboratory research experience in molecular or developmental biology is required. Experience with Drosophila or other genetic model systems is preferred but not required.

This is a renewable two-year position with full benefits, which will be extended as needed upon good performance of the candidate. Salary will be competitive and dependent on the level of experience of the candidate. Applicants should email a CV and a description of research interests to Prof. Perry (mwperry@ucsd.edu), along with contact information for three references. Applications submitted by February 15th, 2020 will receive priority consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. Start date is flexible.

It is an incredibly exciting time to be a developmental biologist as new tools such as CRISPR and single cell sequencing allow us to move beyond model systems in order to ask targeted questions about the mechanisms that adapt animals to their unique environments. Apply and join the adventure!

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