Postdoctoral positions at UCSF in Drosophila genetics and single cell biology
Posted by Katja Brückner, on 3 March 2021
Closing Date: 7 May 2021
Applications are invited for two postdoctoral fellows in the Brückner lab at The University of California San Francisco, Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Cell and Tissue Biology.
The Brückner lab investigates mechanisms how organ development and transdifferentiation are regulated by neuronal input and environmental conditions, using a model of blood cell development in Drosophila melanogaster (Corcoran et al. bioRxiv 2020; Makhijani et al. Nature Comms 2017; Makhijani et al. Development 2011). Transdifferentiation generates specialized cell types independent of stem or progenitor cells. Despite the high interest in this unique phenomenon, it is largely unknown how transdifferentiation is regulated in vivo.
We offer two federally funded projects that focus on the genetic dissection of molecular mechanisms in the neuronal regulation of blood cell development, signaling, and transdifferentiation. In collaboration with the Perrimon lab at Harvard Medical School, we use single cell/ single nucleus RNA sequencing (snucRNAseq) to identify transcriptional mechanisms how activated neurons control blood cells and potentially other target tissues. This research is expected to reveal fundamental principles how environmental cues, through activation of sensory neurons, regulate transdifferentiation and other cell behaviors in organ development. It will suggest similar principles in other species and organ systems where environmental sensors and tissue precursors coincide, including systems of blood, skin, lung, and digestive system.
Positions will be available starting in April and July 2021, respectively.
Candidates must hold a recent PhD, MD or MD/PhD degree, or anticipate such degree in the near future. Underrepresented and diversity candidates are in particular encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate is a talented and creative scientist with a background in Drosophila genetics. General skills in molecular and cell biology are expected. Prior experience in bioinformatics would be an advantage but is not required. We are looking for motivated candidates who have good communication skills and are reliable, hardworking and fun, and have prior research publication(s). We anticipate transition to future independent funding.
UCSF and the Broad Center offer a vibrant scientific environment and state of the art facilities. The Brückner lab provides infrastructure, a collegial environment, training and opportunities to work in teams. The Perrimon lab at Harvard Medical School/ Howard Hughes Medical Institute provides collaboration and offers training on the single cell aspect of the project.
COVID-19: As of March 2021, UCSF is offering COVID vaccinations to all education-related personnel including postdocs. UCSF offers free asymptomatic COVID testing to employees at all times. The Brückner lab observes safe practices including mask wearing, social distancing, reduced lab occupancy, and remote meetings where possible.
Please email your CV, research interests, and names and contact information of three references to katja.brueckner@ucsf.edu