211-0992/22-2I Postdoc in Box Jellyfish Neurobiology and Neuroethology

Postdoc in Box Jellyfish Neurobiology and Neuroethology
Department of Biology
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

A 2-year postdoc position is open in the sensory biology group lead by assoc. prof. Anders Garm at the Marine Biological Section in Copenhagen. The postdoc will be part of a Villum Foundation financed project on the neurobiology and neuroethology of the box jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora. Box jellyfish stand out from other jellyfish as they have an elaborate visual system including image-forming eyes. Accordingly, they perform a number of visually guided behaviours and the visual processing takes place in a specialized part of their central nervous system called the rhopalial nervous system (RNS). Recently, we have shown that advanced visually guided learning (operant conditioning) also takes place in the RNS and the project seeks to investigate this further. Aims are to pinpoint the neuronal circuitry behind learning and to characterize the neuronal changes during learning processes on a cellular level. Work will be done on cultured animals as well as animals collected on fieldtrips.

Main tasks of the postdoc

• Work on the connectome of the approx. 1000 neurons of the RNS
• Start characterizing identified neurons of the RNS using electrophysiology
• Participate on fieldtrips to Puerto Rico and other places to collect box jellyfish

Qualifications
We are looking for a motivated and ambitious researcher with experience in neurobiology. Applicants with the following qualifications are preferred:

• PhD in neurobiology, neuroethology, sensory ecology or equivalent.
• Background in experimental invertebrate neurobiology.
• Experience with 3D reconstruction or electrophysiology (preferably intracellular).
• Experience with electron microscopy is considered an advantage.
• Proficiency in English – both written and spoken.
• Experience mentoring students in the lab
• Motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research team, as well as independently, with an open communication style and a problem-solving attitude.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within neurobiology as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to Assoc. Prof. Anders Garm, [email protected]

The position is open from 1 June 2022or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

The application must include

• Motivated letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Complete list of publications
• PhD and master diploma or transcript in English
• Separate PDFs of particularly relevant papers (max 3)

The deadline for applications is 13 March 2022, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.