Primase Characterization (3 year PhD position, Basle (CH), SNF, cooperation w/ ETH Zurich)

Primases are essential genes and play a fundamental role in genome replication. Currently there is only limited knowledge on the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying primase activity. In this project the structure and dynamics of the reaction steps of a primase during initiation (dinucleotide formation) and elongation shall be elucidated. We will study the archaeoeukaryotic primase of the replication protein of the plasmid pRN1 (EMBO 22, 2516; NSMB 11, 157; NAR 35, 5635; NAR 38, 6707) with advanced NMR methods, isothermal calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy. Mutant proteins at selected residues will be constructed and characterized to unravel the contribution of these residues to individual steps in the reaction cycle.
Working place of the PhD student is the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland in Basle in the group of Prof. Dr. Georg Lipps. This SNF funded project is a close cooperation with the group of Prof. Dr. Frédéric Allain (ETH Zurich). A PostDoc is working in his group is part of the funded project. Basle is located in the vivid trinational region (Switzerland, Germany, and France) in a beautiful landscape.

The applicant must have an MSc degree in biology, chemistry or related disciplines. Please send your application (CV, copies of certificates, overview of your studies, names and contact information of two references) in a single pdf file to Prof. Dr. Georg Lipps by July 31th. Please include pdf-files of your master thesis and bachelor thesis as well. Looking forward to your application!


Methoden:
We apply numerous techniques and experimental approaches: molecular biology, protein purification, enzyme assays, HPLC, ITC, NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. Hands-on experiences with some of these methods are a plus.

Anfangsdatum: 1. September 2012

geschätzte Dauer: 3 years

POSTDOC IN FUNCTIONAL EVOLUTIONARY GENOMICS

BIOINFORMATICS POSTDOC IN FUNCTIONAL EVOLUTIONARY GENOMICS

Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Two postdoctoral positions (2 years with possible extensions up to 5 years) are available immediately in the evolutionary genomics group of Henrik Kaessmann.

We are seeking highly qualified and enthusiastic applicants with strong skills in computational biology/bioinformatics, preferably also with experience in data mining and comparative or evolutionary genome analysis.

We have been interested in a range of topics related to the functional evolution of genomes from primates (e.g., the emergence of new genes and their functions) and other mammals (e.g., the origin and evolution of mammalian sex chromosomes). In the framework of a recently launched series of projects, a large amount of transcriptome and genome (e.g., epigenome) data are being produced by the wet lab unit of the group using next generation sequencing technologies for a unique collection of tissues from representative mammals and outgroup species (e.g., birds). Topics of current projects based on these data include the origins and/or evolution of protein-coding genes, alternative splicing, microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and dosage compensation.

The postdoctoral fellow will perform integrated evolutionary/bioinformatics analyses based on data produced in the lab and available genomic data. The specific project will be developed together with the candidate.

The language of the institute is English, and its members form an international group that is rapidly expanding. The institute is located in Lausanne, a beautiful city at Lake Geneva.

For more information on the group and our institute more generally, please refer to our website: http://www.unil.ch/cig/page7858_en.html

Please submit a CV, statement of research interest, and names of three references to: Henrik Kaessmann (Henrik.Kaessmann@unil.ch).

Henrik Kaessmann, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Center for Integrative Genomics
University of Lausanne, Switzerland

PhD student positions, Uppsala, Sweden

Three PhD student positions are open in limnology at Uppsala University, Sweden

    Ecological informatics, see http://www.uu.se/jobb/phd-students/annonsvisning?languageId=1&tarContentId=175963 . Contact person is Alexander Eiler, alexander.eiler@ebc.uu.se

    Degradation of organic matter, see http://www.uu.se/jobb/phd-students/annonsvisning?tarContentId=175951&languageId=1 . Contact person is Lars Tranvik, lars.tranvik@ebc.uu.se

    Gas exchange between sediments and water, see http://www.uu.se/jobb/phd-students/annonsvisning?tarContentId=175945&languageId=1 . Contact person is Sebastian Sobek, sebastian.sobek@ebc.uu.se


The limnology program at Uppsala University provides a highly international environment, and conducts leading research on inland waters with focus on biogeochemistry and carbon cycling, microbial ecology, and food web interactions. For more information about us, please visit: www.ebc.uu.se/forskning/IEG/limno/?languageId=1


All three positions are 4 years, and include postgraduate training at the Evolutionary Biology Centre of Uppsala University.

Application deadline: April 10, 2012.

PhD position in Behavioural Ecology

PhD POSITION IN BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY

Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Switzerland

'GENETIC BASIS OF COOPERATION': The aim of this PhD-project is to investigate the genetic basis of cooperative behaviour in highly social African cichlids. These fish breed cooperatively in large family groups and have turned into a model species for studies of social evolution based on detailed information about their ecology and behaviour, excellent possibilities for behavioural experiments and recent sequencing of their full genome. We shall pursue a multidisciplinary approach to study the genetic control of cooperative behaviour. This involves behavioural experiments with offspring obtained from a large-scale breeding experiment, analysis of the behavioural data using quantitative genetics tools and identifying candidate genes responsible for variation in cooperative behaviour by an ecological genomics approach. Eligible candidates will have a master’s degree (or Diplom) in Biology and research experience in animal behaviour and a genuine understanding of evolutionary theory. Practical skills in molecular genetics techniques, the application of statistical models and empirical work with fish would be beneficial, but they are not a precondition. The project will be mostly based in Bern, but will involve collaboration with two co-supervisors, Nadia Aubin-Horth (University Laval, Canada) and Mathias Kölliker (University of Basel, Switzerland). The position is part of the Doctoral Research Program ("ProDoc") funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation SNF on “Proximate and ultimate causes of cooperation” and will connect up to 30 PhD students working on animal cooperation by a research network. Supervisor: Barbara Taborsky.

The position is for three years and should preferably start in spring 2012.

The successful candidate will join a bustling research environment consisting of ca. 15 PhD-students and advanced research staff, five technicians and a varying number of master’s students and guest scientists. Besides this Behavioural Ecology group, the Institute of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Bern comprises research groups in Aquatic Ecology (Ole Seehausen), Community Ecology (Wolfgang Nentwig), Conservation Biology (Raphael Arlettaz), Evolutionary Ecology (Heinz Richner) and Population Genetics (Laurent Excoffier). Salaries will follow the schemes of the national funding organization of Switzerland.

Closing date: Open until filled, but all application materials, including CV, a summary of research experience, copies of any published or in-press papers, and two letters of recommendation should be received by 15 March 2012 to ensure full consideration. Candidates should indicate in a cover letter when they could take up the position. Please send all application material to the secretary’s office, c/o Marlis Gerteis, Dept. Behavioural Ecology, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50A, CH-3032 Bern, Switzerland; or as e-mail attachments to marlis.gerteis@iee.unibe.ch. Please consult our web-page for information on our research: http://behav.zoology.unibe.ch/ For inquiries please contact barbara.taborsky@iee.unibe.ch

PhD position in Comparative Physiology / Fish reproductive physiology (Uppsala, Sweden)

The Department of Organismal biology (Evolutionary Biology Centre), Uppsala University, Sweden,  offers a 4- year PhD position in comparative physiology/fish reproductive physiology. The project focuses on the physiological and molecular mechanism involved in sexual maturation in fish, mainly salmonids. Find the complete advertisement of the position at our homepage http://www2.personalavd.uu.se/ledigaplatser/2999PhD.html. Deadline February 1st 2012

Doctoral position available Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich

In the group Plant Ecological Genetics of the Institute Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich, is a doctoral position available starting January 1, 2012.


Project title: Mechanisms of pre- and postzygotic isolation in cryptic Epichloë species

Project description: Speciation is one of the most fundamental processes in biology that leads to biological diversity. However, the mechanisms of speciation are variable in different organisms and incompletely known, particularly in members of Fungi.
Epichloë endophytes (Ascomycota, Clavicipitaceae) with its sexual species offer an ideal model system on which mechanisms of reproductive isolation, a prerequisite of speciation, can be studied. The planned research will investigate several potential pre- and post zygotic isolation mechanisms that may operate among members of genus Epichloë including a species complex with several host-associated cryptic species. The project is positioned at the interface of ecology, genetics and evolutionary biology and will involve field work as well as greenhouse and lab experiments.

We offer a supportive and stimulating environment within the plant ecological genetics group on the main campus of ETH Zürich. 

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (3 year funding) with strong interests in ecological genetics and/or evolutionary biology. Candidates should have a Diploma or Master's degree in Biology or Plant Sciences.

Applications should be sent to the address given below (preferably by e-mail) and should include (1) a letter describing research motivation and experience,  (2) a CV together with copies of degree certificates (graduate and undergraduate), and (3) contact details of at least two scientific referees.   

Contact:
Prof. Dr. A. Leuchtmann
Institute of Integrative Biology
Universitätstrasse 16
CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
e-mail: adrian.leuchtmann@env.ethz.ch
phone: +41 44 632 3854

Research Technician in Molecular Biology and Mouse Development

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Biology department (D-Biol; http://www.biol.ethz.ch/index) a prestigious education and research institute which prepares men and women with the essential skills for conceiving and leading complex and innovative activities at the highest world-class level, is recruiting a:

Research Technician in Molecular Biology and Mouse Development (M/F)

Contract employee (fixed-term of 3 years) 

Affiliated with Prof. Voinnet´s laboratory and under the direct supervision of a Post-doctoral reaesrcher, the technician in Molecular Biology will focus primarily on the characterization of novel small RNA pathways in model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. The project is largely aimed at increasing the knowledge of the RNAi machinery to a cell-specific resolution, using both forward and reverse genetic approaches.

The successful applicant will provide technical support to basic experimental research focused on plant systems at the molecular, cellular and to a lesser extent, biochemical levels. Qualification required for the position include: 

- Strong experience in basic molecular biology: cloning procedures (design of primers, digestion, PCR etc.), as well as DNA, RNA and protein extractions are required;

- Experience in plant growth and manipulation (primarily Arabidopsis) is strongly recommended but not an absolute requirement;

- Experience in confocal microscopy would be also desirable but is not mandatory.

The applicant will also be expected to:

o Participate to group meetings

o Participate to collaborative tasks, duties of the lab

o Ensure safety and hygiene compliance

o Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.

The ideal candidate will have a qualified experience (1 to 3 years) in plant molecular biology and will be capable of working in strong association with other laboratory members Knowledge of oral and written English is mandatory.

The position will be open from the April, 1rst 2011.

Salary: based upon prior work experience (according to the public employee payment grid)

Job Location: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich Department of Biology Chair of RNA biology

Universitätstrasse 2 8092 Zürich Switzerland

Contact: Please send your CV and cover letter to Pr Olivier Voinnet, 

Head of the lab

email: voinneto@ethz.ch

For technical information about the position, please contact Dr Chris Brosnan -

email: brosnanc@ethz.ch

Beca Doctoral

The Doctoral School of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of the University of Lausanne, Switzerland ofrece BECA para realizar un DOCTORADO en el tema “Actividad insecticida en bacterias asociadas a plantas: bases moleculares y relevancia ecológica”. 

Fecha límite: 15 de noviembre de 2010. Para mayor información consultar en el sitio web: http://www.unil.ch/fbm-phd, o contactarse con el Dr. Christoph Keel, Tel.: (41) 21 692 56 36; E-mail: christoph.keel@unil.ch.