Post doc position in single cell gene expression analysis
A 2-year postdoctoral research position is available in the group of
Jochen Wolf at the Evolutionary Biology Centre in Uppsala, Sweden, as
part of a project funded by funded by the European (ERC) and Swedish
Research councils (VR).
Background.
We are a young, growing research group that applies an integrative
approach to study evolutionary processes in natural populations. Major
research themes include the evolutionary processes and genetic
mechanisms underlying species divergence (e.g. Wolf et al. 2010a,
Ellegren et al. 2012, Poelstra et al. in press) and genome evolution
(e.g. Mugal et al. 2014).
The position is part of a long-term research program on the genomics of
speciation in an avian model system. The European crow hybrid zone
between all-black carrion crows and grey-coated hooded crows is a
textbook example of incipient speciation involving colour-mediated
social selection (Meise 1928, Wolf et al. 2010b). We generated an
annotated hooded crow genome draft generated data for integrated
analyses of comparative genome re-sequencing data, transcriptome
expression profiling and functional assays on plumage colouration. We
find that only a small well-defined part of the genome diverged between
the two sub-species which is associated with gene expression divergence
in pigmentation genes causing differences in eumelanin production in
growing feather follicles (Poelstra et al. in press).
The project.
Tissue based RNA-seq data integrates across many cell types and has poor
resolution in understanding cell-type specific divergence in gene
expression. In the crow system, we are specifically interested in
expression patters in melanocytes, the cell types that are responsible
for melanin production and eventually colour deposition into the
feathers. The successful candidate will use in situ proximity (mRNA)
ligation assays developed by colleagues in Uppsala (Larsson et al. 2010)
to 1) obtain positional information of gene expression and 2) quantificy
relative mRNA abundance in single melanocyte cells. He/she will
establish this method on cross-sections of growing feather material to
specifically pinpoint the action of candidate genes from the
melanogenesis pathway (for more information on the method see
http://www.igp.uu.se/research/molecular_tools/ola_soderberg/).
Qualification.
The successful applicant has demonstrated skills in molecular and
histological techniques, e.g. cyro-sectioning of difficult material; RNA
in situ hybridisation, ideally fluorescent multiplexed;
immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy. Experience with quantitative
approaches and in situ Proximity-Ligation-Assays are a clear advantage.
The environment. The Evolutionary Biology Centre (http://www.ebc.uu.se/)
is one of the world’s leading research institutions in evolutionary
biology. It is part of Uppsala University which has been ranked first
place among all European Universities in the subject of biology (CHE
European ranking) and successfully bridges a broad variety of
disciplines. The scientific environment with numerous seminars, journal
clubs and social activities offer excellent possibilities for contacts
and collaborations. A graduate school in ‘The Genomics of Phenotypic
Diversity in Natural Populations’ directed by Jochen Wolf
(http://www.ebc.uu.se/education/postgrad/gradschool/) provides a
framework for courses, high-profile seminars and other activities for
PhD students. Our lab is part of the Department of Evolutionary Biology
(http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/IEG/evbiol/), an active environment
addressing fundamental evolutionary questions with a wide range of
different approaches. As a member of the Science for Life Laboratory
(http://www.scilifelab.se/) we have excellent access to advanced
laboratory infrastructure and high performance computing resources. The
lab is situated in the student town of Uppsala, that offers rich
opportunities in cultural and outdoor activities. Sweden’s capital
Stockholm is less than an hour’s train ride away.
How to apply.
Applications should include a CV, a statement of motivation and the
contact details of at least two references. Use the following online
portal to apply:
http://www2.personalavd.uu.se/jobb/appform.php?lang=en&case=UFV-PA%202014/1595
The positions remains open until filled. Starting date is flexible. For
more information contact jochen.wolf@ebc.uu.se or see
http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/IEG/evbiol/research/Wolf/.