Job ID: 104688
Postdoc in Neuroscience/Molecular biology
Position: Post-doctoral Position
Deadline: 31 March 2023
City: Bern
Country: Switzerland
Institution: University hospital of Bern
Department: Department of Ophthalmology
Description:
The Physiology of Light Perception lab is looking to hire a postdoctoral fellow for an exciting project at the interface of neuroscience and cell biology.
About the position and project
The position is available immediately and is funded for ~15 months with possibility of extension. The overall objectives of the project are to dissect the circuits by which light information reaches the brain, and to evaluate the impact of retinal degeneration on alertness. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the laboratory of Prof. Adamantidis (http://tidis-lab.org/). We use cutting-edge methods ranging from multi-electrode arrays and optogenetics to transcriptomics. While light entrainment of the circadian clock is well understood; the non-circadian, acute effects of light on alertness remain elusive. Understanding how light directly affects sleep-wake-controlling nuclei will have a seminal impact on preventing and managing an increasing epidemic of chronic diseases that are related to aberrant light exposure and sleep disruption. You will devise experiments, acquire, and analyze data, work with team members, and prepare publications with supervision and mentoring from the group leader Ludovic Mure.
About the team and environment
The Physiology of Light Perception lab (https://www.murelab.org) is a newly established team, part of the Department of Ophthalmology (https://www.augenheilkunde.insel.ch/en/teaching-and-research) located on the Insel hospital and the University of Bern. The overarching aim of the team is to understand how light affects diverse brain functions. In particular, how modern disruptive light environments may predispose or induce diseases and how to leverage light effects to optimize human health and performance. We have recognized expertise in the study of non-visual responses to light from cells to circuits and behavior. In the team, we aim at performing ambitious and rigorous science by fostering a positive environment based on respect, team spirit, frequent exchange and communication, and mentoring.
About the profile
We are looking for candidates with a PhD in neuroscience or molecular biology with experience in either electrophysiology or transcriptomics and strong self-motivation. Discipline for promptly and rigorously designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments, as well as motivation to develop new workflows, are expected. Taste for interdisciplinary work, team spirit, ability to interact and collaborate with team members and collaborators, and motivation to learn are a must. Skills in large datasets analysis, image analysis, and programming (Matlab, R, or python) are a plus. We are committed to equal-opportunity hiring. We strongly encourage applications from women and candidates from any country.
About the application
Interested in this opportunity? Please apply by sending a CV, the contact details of 2 or more references, representative publications, and a motivation letter to ludovic.mure@insel.ch. Don’t hesitate to contact Ludovic more informally if you have any questions about the position.