Project: Hox genes and the diversification of neural networks

The Berni lab is recruiting a motivated Research Assistant to work on projects aiming to investigate the diversification of neuronal networks. The laboratory is situated at the University of Sussex, close to the vibrant city of Brighton, and offers state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic research environment.

Your work will focus on describing the organisational principles within neuronal networks that have driven the diversification of motor outputs in Drosophila.

You will use serial Electron microscopy reconstruction dataset with the custom software developed by our collaborator Albert Cardona (University of Cambridge, LMB-MRC) to trace and thus reconstruct the interneurons from neuronal circuits that generate specialised motor patterns. This work will radically push forward our understanding of how a motor networks diversify.

Candidates with a BSc or MSc degree in a bio-medical/neuroscience subject and with experience in neuronal anatomy analysis are encouraged to apply. Expertise working with genetic model systems and a good understanding of of statistics and experimental design are desirable. The successful candidate should be capable of working independently on this project, whilst integrated into an interactive and supportive research group, with opportunity to develop and contribute ideas to the project.

The Berni lab is part of Sussex Neuroscience, a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary community of over 50 neuroscience researchers that organises a wide range of scientific and career development activities.

Please contact Dr Jimena Berni ([email protected]) for informal enquiries.

Visit our website: https://www.bsms.ac.uk/about/contact-us/staff/dr-jimena-berni.aspx

The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

You can find out more about our values and our EDI Strategy, Inclusive Sussex, on our webpages.