A postdoc position is open in the Philipsborn lab at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

We are interested in the behavioral neurobiology of reproduction, with a focus on chemical and acoustic communication during sexual interactions. We are employing behavioral assays, audio recordings, genetic manipulation and optogenetics, bioimaging and neuronal reconstructions to understand how circuit motifs shape behavior.

For more information about the lab:

https://www.unifr.ch/med/de/research/groups/philipsborn/

https://philipsborn-lab.org/

Beginning: February 2023, or by arrangement

Duration: 2 years, extension possible

Location: University of Fribourg, https://www.unifr.ch/med/fr/section/jobs/

Working time: 100%

Working area and tasks

Your work will be part of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation addressing genes and neuronal circuits for inseminate sensing and inseminate allocation in Drosophila reproduction.

During copulation, male flies transfer seminal fluid together with sperm to the female. The molecular and neuronal mechanisms by which females sense and respond to inseminate, and in this way actively modulate fertilization success, is incompletely understood. There is good evidence that males strategically modulate allocation of inseminate, but signaling pathways and nervous system circuits for this phenomenon are not known.

Together with two PhD students, you will address open questions in inseminate sensing and inseminate allocation. You will establish and use experimental setups for live imaging of the central and peripheral nervous system and the reproductive organs in males and females. Your project will also include performing bioluminescence imaging assays and advanced imaging techniques in freely behaving animals.

You will be trained in and work with Drosophila genetics, optogenetics and functional imaging, anatomical reconstructions and connectomics. Depending on your profile, you will have the opportunity to lead and  actively shape the project while furthering your scientific track record.

Your profile

The ideal candidate has a PhD in Natural Sciences and a good academic track-record of original research, project management and problem-solving. Previous experience in any of the following areas is of advantage: neuroscience, Drosophila biology, connectomics or genetics, advanced microscopy or electrophysiology, mass spectrometry, behavioral experiments and their analysis and scientific programming. You are capable of training and fostering the scientific development of Bachelor and Master students. The position is fully funded, but efforts to acquire your own funding and work toward independence will be strongly supported.

How to apply/Contact

Please direct further questions and/or send your application (including a cover letter, CV, key records, references or reference contacts) in a single PDF file to Prof. Anne von Philipsborn (anne.vonphilipsborn@unifr.ch).

Deadline

November 20th, 2022. Interviews will be schedules end November