Job: Postdoc and Technician Position in Genetics of Drosophila Aging

One postdoc and one technician position in Drosophila aging are
available in the Flatt lab:

1 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN DROSOPHILA AGING

A postdoctoral position in the genetics of Drosophila aging is
available in the research group of Dr. Thomas Flatt at the University
of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria (Institute of Population
Genetics) ([Only registered users see links. ]
flatt_home.html). The postdoc position is funded by a grant from the
Austrian Science Foundation (FWF) and will be for three years.

This research project will focus on the identification of the
molecular basis of the trade-off between reproduction and lifespan in
the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, a powerful genetic model
system. In many organisms, from fruit flies to humans, reproduction
shortens lifespan, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown (e.g.,
Flatt & Kawecki 2007, Evolution; Flatt & Promislow 2007, Science).
Experiments in C. elegans suggest that hormonal signals from the gonad
affect longevity (Hsin & Kenyon 1999, Nature), and we have recently
found that germline ablation extends lifespan and affects insulin
signaling in Drosophila (Flatt et al. 2008, PNAS). However, the
details of this systemic regulation of lifespan by the reproductive
system remain unclear. In our project we are interested in dissecting
the hormonal mechanisms that modulate the reproduction-longevity trade-
off. By employing mutant and transgene analysis, genetic manipulation
of the gonad, epistasis experiments, and hormonal manipulations we
will examine the endocrine mechanisms whereby signals from the
reproductive system modulate longevity.

We are seeking a highly talented, dynamic, independent, and self-
motivated young biologist with good social skills. The successful
candidate will have a Ph.D. and a strong background in genetics and
molecular biology using the Drosophila system. Some background in the
biology of aging, evolutionary biology, and/or endocrinology would be
ideal, but is not required. The postdoc will work closely with a PhD
student and the PI on this project. The working language in the
laboratory is English, so the candidate should be proficient in spoken
and written English. German skills, although helpful, are not
essential. The initial appointment will be made for one year, with a
possible extension to up to three years. The annual salary is 54,180
Euro. The position is available as of now, but the starting date is
negotiable.

In a 2009 world-wide survey by the William M. Mercer Institute, Vienna
ranked first world-wide in terms of standards of living. Vienna is a
beautiful, historical yet modern city, located in the heart of Europe,
close to the Alps and to major cities like Munich, Zurich, Prague, and
Budapest. Being famous for its concert sites, opera houses, theathers,
museums, and coffee shops, Vienna also provides great outdoor
activities, such as sailing on the Neusiedler See, ice skating, biking
and hiking in the Viennese woods and the nearby Alps. Moreover, the
city has a wide range of great restaurants, bars, wineries, cinemas,
clubs, libraries, galleries, and art collections. The Vienna area is
also an exceptional and highly international research environment.
Four major life science universities and three world-class research
institutes (GMI, IMBA, IMP) provide a dynamic and interactive setting.
Vienna hosts an active Drosophila community, and the onsite
availability of the Drosophila RNAi center (VDRC) provides a great
opportunity for functional Drosophila work. In population genetics and
evolutionary biology, the Vienna research area also provides excellent
prospects, due to a growing number of evolutionary research groups.

To apply for this position, please send a single pdf file including:
(1) a cover letter explaining why you would like to join our group,
(2) your Curriculum Vitae (including a description of your skills),
(3) your publication list, (4) a statement of research interests, and
(5) contact details for 2-3 academic references who are willing to
write a reference letter on your behalf to the following email
address: [Only registered users see links. ]

Informal inquiries are welcome and should be sent to the same e-mail
address. For further information see ([Only registered users see links. ]
pop/Flatt_website/flatt_home.html).

The deadline for submission is 1 July 2009.

Dr. Thomas Flatt
University of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Biomedical Research
Institute of Population Genetics
Veterinärplatz 1 / Josef Baumann Gasse 1
A-1210 WIEN
Austria

VOX +43(0)1-25077-4334
FAX +43(0)1-25077-4390
E-mail: [Only registered users see links. ]

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1 RESEARCH ASSISTANT/TECHNICIAN POSITION IN DROSOPHILA AGING

A research assistant/technician position in the biology of Drosophila
aging is available in the group of Dr. Thomas Flatt at the University
of Veterinary Medicine (Department of Biomedical Research, Institute
of Population Genetics), Vienna, Austria. The position is funded by a
grant from the Austrian Science Foundation (FWF) and will be for two
years, part-time (2 days per week).

The research project will focus on the identification of the molecular
basis of the trade-off between reproduction and lifespan in the fruit
fly, Drosophila melanogaster, a powerful genetic model system. By
employing mutant and transgene analysis, genetic manipulation of the
gonad, epistasis experiments, and hormonal manipulations we will
examine the endocrine mechanisms whereby signals from the reproductive
system modulate longevity.

The research assistant/technician will directly contribute to lab
management and the research program. We are seeking a well trained and
highly self-motivated research assistant/technician with good social,
management, and organizational skills. The successful applicant should
have prior laboratory experience with basic molecular biology
techniques and genetics, a strong work ethic, the ability to work
independently, and enthusiasm for doing research in a small
interactive team of young scientists. A degree in biology or a related
field would be a plus. Applicants with experience in Drosophila
maintenance and genetics would be highly desirable and will be given
preference. The working language in the laboratory is English, so the
candidate should be proficient in spoken and written English. German
skills, although helpful, are not essential. The initial appointment
will be made for 6 months, with a possible extension to up to two
years. The annual salary is 11,216 Euro for part-time work (2 week
days). The position is available as of now, but the starting date is
negotiable.

The responsabilities of the research assistant/technician will
include: assisting in the daily operation and maintenance of the lab;
assisting with and performing experiments; ordering supplies;
preparing reagents and fly food media; and maintaining fly stocks.
Bench and lab work will include standard molecular biology procedures
such DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, cloning, fly genetics, and
immunohistology. Prior experience in performing Western and Northern
blots would be a plus.

In a 2009 world-wide survey by the William M. Mercer Institute, Vienna
ranked first world-wide in terms of standards of living. Vienna is a
beautiful, historical yet modern city, located in the heart of Europe,
close to the Alps and to major cities like Munich, Zurich, Prague, and
Budapest. Being famous for its concert sites, opera houses, theathers,
museums, and coffee shops, Vienna also provides great outdoor
activities, such as sailing on the Neusiedler See, ice skating, biking
and hiking in the Viennese woods and the nearby Alps. Moreover, the
city has a wide range of great restaurants, bars, wineries, cinemas,
clubs, libraries, galleries, and art collections. The Vienna area is
also an exceptional and highly international research environment.
Four major life science universities and three world-class research
institutes (GMI, IMBA, IMP) provide a dynamic and interactive setting.
Vienna hosts an active Drosophila community, and the onsite
availability of the Drosophila RNAi center (VDRC) provides a great
opportunity for functional Drosophila work.

To apply for this position, please send your application, including a
cover letter, as a single pdf file to the following email address:
[Only registered users see links. ]

Informal inquiries are welcome and should be sent to the same e-mail
address. For further information see ([Only registered users see links. ]
pop/Flatt_website/flatt_home.html).

The deadline for submission is 1 July 2009.

Dr. Thomas Flatt
University of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Biomedical Research
Institute of Population Genetics
Veterinärplatz 1 / Josef Baumann Gasse 1
A-1210 WIEN
Austria

VOX +43(0)1-25077-4334
FAX +43(0)1-25077-4390
E-mail: [Only registered users see links. ]