Available: Post-doctoral or PhD position to work on the molecular genetics of a molluscan pigmentation system.

The Courant Research Centre Geobiology at the University of Göttingen (Germany) is offering 1 of the following positions:

Post-doctoral position (100% TV-L 13: 39,8 hours/week)
or
PhD position (65% TV-L 13: 25,87 hours/week)

Both positions are initially available for 6 months starting 15th June 2012 and will be extended for up to 3 years following satisfactory performance during this trial period.

Variation in shell pigmentation patterns of the common garden snail Cepaea nemoralis have long served as a model for population geneticists, however very little is known about the molecular mechanisms that generate this diversity. Positions are available within the research group “Metazoan Evolution and Biomineralization” headed by Daniel Jackson to identify and characterise these mechanisms.

These positions require individuals with strong molecular biology skills and familiarity with the analysis of large computational datasets such as RNA-Seq. Lab skills such as RACE-PCR, whole mount in situ hybridization, micro-injection and familiarity with some bioinformatic techniques are highly desirable.

Candidates for the post-doctoral position should hold a doctorate in evolution, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, or a related field. Candidates for the doctoral position should hold an excellent first degree in one of the same fields. In addition to their academic qualifications, candidates should have excellent communication and team-working skills, be committed to the topic and to working in a dedicated, interdisciplinary research environment. The working language of the group is English, and applicants from abroad are encouraged to apply.

The University of Göttingen seeks to increase the participation of women in areas in which they are currently underrepresented and therefore explicitly urges women to apply. Disabled persons with equivalent aptitude will be favoured.

All applications should be made in English, and must include the following 3 items (incomplete applications will not be considered):

1. A full academic CV including any published or unpublished academic work.
2. A 1-2 page letter outlining the candidate's research interests and motivation for applying to this position.
3. Letters of reference and the contact details of 2-3 referees (ideally previous supervisors).

Submit your application or any informal enquiries directly to djackso”at”uni-goettingen.de

The application deadline is May 15, 2012.

For more information about the group see http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/102705.html


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Opportunities for Masters/Diploma projects are also available and are generally lab focused with an emphasis on molecular evolution and/or developmental biology. If you have a passion or funding for a particular question contact Dan and we can discuss further.


There are several opportunities within Germany to fund international PhD students and postdocs. For postdoc opportunities look at Humboldt, Marie Curie, Volkswagen, or the University of Göttingen Dorothea Schlozer programs.


The University of Göttingen is a student friendly town with an excellent academic reputation (now one of the 9 German Ivy League Universities of Excellence), and is located centrally with easy access to the rest of Europe. Informal enquiries regarding positions within the group are welcome.


Contact Daniel Jackson