Postdoc and PhD positions on Drosophila synaptic plasticity and learning
Full time Postdoc/Research Assistant (Basic Salary £27,466, Grade I)
The role of PDZ scaffold CASK and CaMKII signalling in synaptic plasticity and learning.
Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council Grant
Start Date: From 1 Feb 09 (Period on Project: 36 months)
The successful candidate will be engaged in full time research into molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and learning using Drosophila. The project will involve:
(1) Calcium imaging and optical manipulation of activity of neural circuits underlying learning
(2) Learning assays (Olfactory-shock conditioning)
(3) Mutagenesis (P-elements and transgenes)
(4) Immunohistochemistry and various imaging techniques
The candidate should have interest and experience in some of these techniques and areas of research, additional training, assistance and expertise will be available through the Group, Department, MRC Centre of Synaptic Plasticity and Wolfson Centre for Bioimaging which are all housed in the same Medical School building.
Hodge JJ et al (2006) Activity-dependent gating of CaMKII autonomous activity by Drosophila CASK. Neuron 51:327-37
Lu CS et al (2003) Regulation of the Ca2+/CaM-responsive pool of CaMKII by scaffold-dependent autophosphorylation. Neuron 40:1185-1197
PhD Directly Funded Project (UK Students or self-funded). Application deadline: 23rd January.
Role of voltage-gated potassium channels in behaviour
Recent work has suggested that voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels have important roles in circadian rhythms, sleep and learning. This project will further elucidate Kv channel-mediated mechanisms of learning and circadian rhythms taking advantage of the experimental and genetic tractability of Drosophila. The PhD candidate will benefit and learn from the host lab’s specific expertise in Kv channel molecular biology, imaging, electrophysiology and behaviour. The project may also involve comparing the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of a given Drosophila Kv channel with its mammalian homologue and the study of Kv channel mutations that cause disease in humans (channelopathies).
Hodge JJ & Stanewsky R (2008) Function of the Shaw potassium channel within the Drosophila circadian clock. PLoSONE 3:e2274
Parisky KM et al (2008) The PDF cells are a GABA-responsive wake-promoting component of the Drosophila sleep circuit. Neuron 60(4):672-682
Cirelli C & Bushey D (2008) Sleep and wakefulness in Drosophila melanogaster. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1129:323-329
Gasque G et al (2006) Bridging behavior and physiology: Ion-channel perspective on Mushroom Body-dependent olfactory learning and memory in Drosophila. J Cell Physiol 209:1046-1053
Hodge JJ et al (2005) Shaw potassium channel genes in Drosophila. J Neurobiology 63(3):235-254
To find out more information about these research positions or apply (please send cover letter and CV with references) contact the group leader below:
Dr James Hodge
Physiology and Pharmacology Department
University of Bristol
School of Medical Science
University Walk
Bristol
BS8 1TD
TEL: +44 (0) 117 331 1416
FAX: +44 (0) 117 331 2288
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/phys-pharm/jameshodge
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/neuroscience/research/research/groups/pidetails/223
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/phys-pharm/dynamiccellbiology/wellcome/index.php
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