PhD Scholarship
PhD Studentships in NeuroscienceBehavioral NeuroscienceLaboratory of NeurogeneticsDuke-NUS Medical SchoolInstitute of Molecular and Cell BiologyThe Singapore-based Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School is a collaboration between Duke University and the National University of Singapore. It has a mission for research and training biomedical scientists and physicians. The Laboratory of Neurogenetics under the direction of Assistant Professor Adam Claridge-Chang focuses on analysing essential brain functions with behavioural, genetic, anatomical and physiological methods, with an aim to discovering some of the basic components and mechanisms that underlie psychiatric and cognitive dysfunction. The laboratory uses Drosophila neurogenetic methods combined with ongoing molecular, instrumentation and analytical tool development and application to understand the molecules and circuits that support learning. For additional information please visitwww.claridgechang.net.The lab has an open PhD studentship in behavioral neuroscience.A candidate must have:A high level of motivation and a keen interest in neuroscienceA BSc, MSc or equivalent in a relevant fieldA background and knowledge of neuroscienceStrong computer skills for recording, analyzing and organizing dataAn ability to work closely with other scientists and an ability to quickly learn new techniquesExcellent communication, teamwork and project management skillsExperience in scientific sourcing & procurementA candidate’s application will be strengthened by:Relevant skill set to perform the following techniques to their project: behavioural experimentation including videographic analysis, neurogenetic and neuropharmacological experiments, the use and programming of software for data analysis and statistics (including MATLAB, Excel, R and/or other statistical packages), apparatus design & testing, real-time apparatus control methods including stimulus delivery and control, fluorescence microscopy, laser confocal microscopy, image analysis (ImageJ, Zeiss LSM Browser, PhotoShop, Metamorph and/or MATLAB) and neuroanatomical analysis (e.g. Neurolucida)Knowledge of other techniques including: Drosophila genetics, molecular biology (subcloning methods including restriction digests, PCR and gel electrophoresis), methods for analysis of DNA and protein sequence (BLAST, Vector NTI, etc.), protein analytical methods, use of genetically-encoded indicators (GFP and derivatives, luciferase), analysis of gene expression (Q-PCR, Northern blotting, in situ hybridization), immunohistochemistry, fine-scale brain dissection, graphic design (e.g. Adobe Illustrator), database use (e.g. Filemaker Pro), electronics, electrophysiology, optogenetic physiology and two-photon microscopy.Training will be available in some or all of these techniques where needed and appropriate.Your doctoral studies would include but are not limited to the following:To pursue one or more projects using the above described methods and others as necessary for the projectTo learn new methodologies when necessary or usefulTo participate in the education and training of other staff as appropriateTo acquire and maintain knowledge of the literature relevant to the projectTo attend appropriate scientific seminars and meetings and to remain current with the broader field of neurogeneticsTo effectively analyse your resultsTo regularly communicate your results to the rest of the laboratory membersTo work with colleagues on collaborative projectsTo share responsibility for the housekeeping of the laboratory area, general maintenance tasks and fly stock maintenanceTo conduct scientific sourcing and procurementTo share responsibility with others for the safety in the laboratoryTo perform any other duties as may be required from time to time to ensure the efficient running of the laboratoryInterested applicants are welcome to emaila letter describing your interest in neurosciencea detailed resumesupporting documentscontact details for at least two refereesby13th May 2014toAdam. Please note that your subject title and/or cover letter should indicate the reference number (Ref no: PN/ACC/PHD-BN/13052014/LW). If you found this page via an advertisement, please use the advert’s unique code instead. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.Funding for the position can be through theSINGAprogram (Singapore International Graduate Award) for which the deadline is 1st June 2014 to start study in January 2015.Please contact us at least six weeks prior to the SINGA deadline. Other scholarships are available, please review optionshere.