Research Fellow in Neurodevelopment

Project: Hox genes and the diversification of neural networks

Applications are invited from highly motivated individuals who are interested in fundamental mechanisms of neuronal development. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is available to work with Dr. Jimena Berni and her group at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex. The position is fully funded by the BBSRC for three years, to start in April 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Our research objective is to radically push forward our understanding on the mechanism of circuit diversification. We use Drosophila as a model system and investigate how Hox genes orchestrate the diversification of motor circuits during nervous system development.

We approach this question at three levels:

• 1) Circuit: To define the fundamental differences subserving the specialization of circuits.
• 2) Function: To show how divergent connectivity patterns modify neuronal function.

 3) Genetic: To analyse the role of Hox genes in the specification of circuit assembly and function.

The post provides an outstanding opportunity to develop and apply research skills in developmental neuroscience using a range of techniques pioneered in the lab (calcium imaging, thermo-/opto- genetics, CRISPR/cas9, behavioural experiments) as well as working with collaborators: Electron microscopy neuronal reconstructions with Prof. Albert Cardona (Univ. of Cambridge and MRC-LMB), and electrophysiology experiments with Prof. Richard Baines (Univ. of Manchester).

Candidates with a strong background in developmental neuroscience or neurobiology and with experience performing anatomical and functional neuronal analysis are encouraged to apply. Experience working with Drosophila, in genetics, imaging, behavioural experiments and/or molecular biology would be an advantage. The successful candidate should be capable of working independently on this project, whilst integrated into an interactive and supportive research group.

The Berni lab is part of Sussex Neuroscience, a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary community of over 50 neuroscience researchers that organises a wide range of scientific and career development activities.

Please contact Dr Jimena Berni (J.Berni@sussex.ac.uk)  for informal enquiries.

Visit our website: https://www.bsms.ac.uk/about/contact-us/staff/dr-jimena-berni.aspx

The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex.

For full details and how to apply, click the 'Apply' button above.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Please note: The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed from the UK. 

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