Research focus

Nociception is the process of detecting and encoding noxious stimuli in the nervous system. It underlies important responses, like aversive behaviors, which are crucial to avoid tissue damage; and pain, which is an important medical concern. Discovering and understanding novel molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling nociception is essential to develop novel therapeutic approaches in pain management. Fully funded PhD student positions and Postdoc positions are available in the research group of Prof. Dominique Glauser at the Department of Biology of the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). We study the mechanisms controlling the function of nociceptor neurons and downstream neural circuits. We use highly integrative approaches to study nociceptive functions at the molecular, neuronal, neural circuit and behavioral levels. To do so, we are primarily working with the Caenorhabditis elegans model organism, which offers many experimental tools ideally suited to carry out these multi-level analyses. The successful candidates will apply state-of-the-art techniques, such as optogenetics approaches to monitor and manipulate neural activity in vivo, single cell transcriptomics, proteomics and phosphoproteomics, high throughput genetic screens, and computer-based analyses of behavior. Most of the genetic pathways that we have uncovered so far are conserved in human, so the proposed research is expected to bring significant advances in the field.

Place of work and financial support

The Department of Biology of the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) gathers very dynamic researchers with a strong commitment toward innovation and excellence in science. It offers a stimulating and supportive environment, with an open-minded atmosphere ideal to foster synergies. Remarkably, our institute forms a focal point for research with model organisms and neurobiology research thematic. Several platforms are available locally (Bioimage, Bioinformatics, Proteomics and Metabolomics), or through our close interaction with the nearby University of Bern (Next Generation Sequencing Platform). The successful PhD candidates will enroll in the Fribourg Graduate School of Life Sciences (FGLS) providing high-quality education opportunities to complement the laboratory training. Initial gross annual salary for PhD students will be 47,040 CHF (~ 47,000 $). Initial gross annual salary for Postdocs will range from 80,000 to 105,000 CHF (~ 80,000 to 105,000 $), according to past experience. Research costs will be covered by multiple large research subsidies already granted to the Principle Investigator.

Qualifications

We are seeking highly motivated and curious candidates with an interest in neurobiology and genetics. Good communication skills, ability to work in a team, strong commitment to the research project, and proficiency in English are essential.

PhD student candidates:

PhD student candidates must have a Master degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Previous laboratory experience in our research area (neuroscience, genetics, molecular biology, cellular biology) or with the C. elegans model is required. Candidates lacking this specific background will be considered only if they have outstanding scientific qualifications and if they have already demonstrated their ability to successfully fit in new environments.

Postdoc candidates:

Postdoc candidates must have a PhD degree in a relevant subject. Previous laboratory experience in our research area (neuroscience, genetics, molecular biology, cellular biology, proteomics) or with the C. elegans model is required. Candidates must have an excellent record of scientific productivity, with at minimum one first-author article in an international peer-reviewed journal.

Application

Applications must be addressed to Prof. Dominique Glauser (dom.glauser@gmail.com) with “PhD position, NatureJobs” or “Postdoc Position, NatureJobs” in the subject line. The application package must be a single pdf file including: (i) a cover letter (max 2 pages), explaining why the candidate is interested in the proposed research thematic and presenting accomplishments that illustrate the candidate’s skills for research (ii) a CV, including a list of written publications and/or oral/poster presentations (iii) the contact info of at least two referee, including valid phone numbers and e-mail addresses Applications that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered. Recruitment will continue until the position is filled on a first-come first-served basis.

Requeriments :

Technical Bachelor

Skills :

Areas :

Computational Biology

Additional Info:
Selected references • Glauser and Goodman. Molecules empowering animals to sense and respond to temperature in changing environments. Current Opinion in Neurobiology 2016 • Schild and Glauser. Dual Color Neural Activation and Behavior Control with Chrimson and CoChR in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2015 • Schild et al. The Balance between Cytoplasmic and Nuclear CaM Kinase-1 Signaling Controls the Operating Range of Noxious Heat Avoidance. Neuron 2014 • Schild and Glauser. Dynamic switching between escape and avoidance regimes reduces C. elegans exposure to noxious heat. Nature Communications 2013 • Glauser et al. Heat avoidance is regulated by transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and a neuropeptide signalling pathway in C. elegans. Genetics 2011…

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