PhD position in neurogenetics and behavioural evolution

[Richard Benton]

Prof. Richard Benton (www.unil.ch/cig/benton) and Dr Thomas Auer at the Center for Integrative Genomics at the University of Lausanne are seeking a PhD student with a strong background and interest in neurobiology, molecular genetics and evolution.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.01.2020 / to be agreed
Contract length : 1 year, renewable max 4 years with a possible extension
Activity rate : 100%
Workplace : University of Lausanne, Dorigny

About the position
How animals’ extraordinarily diverse behaviours have evolved is unknown. Relating interspecific behavioural differences to anatomical or physiological distinctions in neural circuits, and causal genetic variation, offers a powerful approach to inform how nervous systems develop, function and change.

We have established a new model neurogenetic system, Drosophila sechellia, an island endemic that is closely related to the powerful laboratory model D. melanogaster. While D. sechellia retains global genomic and superficial morphological similarity to its cosmopolitan, generalist cousin, this species has adapted to a unique ecological niche, using Morinda fruit as a sole host for feeding and breeding. This species therefore offers an exceptional experimental system for comparative neuroscience.

The candidate will develop her/his project within the gustatory system of these drosophilid species to determine the molecular and neural mechanisms that explain the distinct feeding behaviours of these animals. The project will involve a combination of molecular genetics, genome engineering, transcriptomics, circuit mapping, neural imaging, and behavioural analysis.

Relevant references
Auer et al., bioRxiv (2019) www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/546507v1
Prieto-Godino et al., Neuron (2017) 93: 661-676
Prieto-Godino et al., Nature (2016) 539: 93-97

Your qualifications

- A Master's degree in molecular biology, neurobiology and/or evolutionary biology

- Strong interests/skills in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, neurobiology ans/or behavioural analyses;

- Excellent scientific writing, communication and interpersonal skills.

What the position offers you

You will be co-supervised by Dr Thomas Auer and Prof. Richard Benton, in a diverse, dynamic and international research laboratory. The working language is English.

The Center for Integrative Genomics encompasses 15 research labs investigating diverse fields related to functional genomics, and offers state-of-the-art experimental facilities. Beyond the training in the host laboratory, numerous possibilities exist at UNIL for further professional education (e.g., in bioinformatics, imaging, soft-skills, career development).

Contact for further information

Informal requests for information can be made by email to: Richard...@unil.ch or Thoma...@unil.ch

Your application
To apply you must upload at the UNIL job portal, including a CV, including the names of 2-3 referees and a motivation letter in English describing (i) your past research experience and (ii) your scientific interests and how they are a good match for the host laboratory

Deadline: 31.01.2020