Openings

If you are interested in any aspect of our research area and joining us, do contact us

Postdoctoral Positions available immediately

Genetics and physiology of the host-microbe interactions
Drosophila melanogaster is a superb model to study animal interactions with resident microorganisms.  There is increasing evidence for microbial effects on a variety of animal host phenotypes, including immune and cognitive function, nutrition, development, and mating behavior.
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to uncover the genetic basis of D. melanogaster behavioral and physiological responses to the gut microbiota, using genetic techniques to dissect the contributions of specific host genes and pathways to microbe-dependent phenotypes.
Previous experience working  with Drosophila is an advantage, but candidates with backgrounds in physiological or behavioral genetics of other animal models or symbiotic systems are encouraged to apply.
For more information, please contact us directly.

Molecular Basis of Host Cell Specialization  
There are multiple parallels at the molecular level between the traits of pathogenic and mutualistic bacteria.  To what extent do these parallels extend to traits of the host cell, which for intracellular symbionts have evolved to maintain the bacteria, and for intracellular pathogens have been subverted by the bacteria?
To address this question, a postdoctoral position is available to investigate:
(a) metabolic and transport functions that support the nutrition of the symbiotic bacteria, or
(b) developmentally-orchestrated controls over symbiont proliferation and survival.
The research will test specific hypotheses generated from transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic datasets that we have generated recently for the aphid symbiosis with the intracellular bacterium Buchnera aphidicola.
Previous experience of animal-microbial interactions, ideally in insects, is an advantage, but we also encourage applications from motivated candidates with a background in nutritional physiology or post-natal insect development and a commitment to developing a career in this research area.

Graduate Studies

Students with an interest in symbiosis, nutritional physiology and the immune responses of insects are especially encouraged to contact us.  Applications can be made through the Graduate Field of Entomology or the Graduate Field of Microbiology, with excellent funding opportunities. 
We aim to offer a broad training, providing the opportunity for students to experience independent research and team-working, and enabling them to follow their own research goals.  Specific research skills provided include genomics, molecular and whole-organism physiology, experimental design, and statistics.  We have weekly lab meetings, and students are encouraged to attend regular discussion groups across campus (e.g. Symbiosis Group, Gut Group, Ecology & Evolution of Infection and Disease Group, Plant-Insects Group,... and more) and regular seminars in the Department and across campus. 
To discuss opportunities, further do contact us.  The annual deadline for applications to enroll in the fall of each year is early December of the previous year.  You are recommended to contact us well before the deadline.

Undergraduate Opportunities 

Working in a research lab is excellent experience for students intending to enroll into graduate school or take up a career in research.  We regularly have opportunities, especially for students interested in symbiosis, how insects work or in applying bioinformatics tools to biological problems.  Previous experience is not required, but it is essential you are motivated to learn, reliable and have initiative.  If you want to find out more, do contact us.