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Dear members,
Positions for a 1) PhD student and a
2) research assistant are available under the project
“Listening to the Environment: Importance of Early Acoustic Experience on Hearing and Development in Zebrafish”, ref n. 036/2015/A1, funded by Macao Government (FDCT, Macao SAR, China).
Details:
1) Ph.D. STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph (Macao SAR)
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD student to develop a thesis under the research topic: “Effects of noise on hearing and development in the zebrafish Danio rerio”.
Background: Noise pollution is an increasing environmental problem and an inevitable consequence of growing cities. Knowing the biological implications of such environmental stressor is a step towards understanding how we cope with the noisy world
and the importance of environmental protection measures. Investigators are only beginning to identify the implications of noise animal’s ecology and fitness, including in humans.
Fishes are excellent vertebrate models to address questions regarding physiological adaptations to environmental factors, as they evolved in widely diverse habitats and possess many specialized morphological features that convey improved adaptation to
particular environments. Species like zebrafish Danio rerio also offer technical advantages, combining rapid and accessible embryogenesis, genetic and genomic tools for systematic gene discovery and analysis, and in vivo visualization at a cellular level in
a single organism. Zebrafish has a typical vertebrate inner ear at the cellular level and has become an especially attractive model for the study of the development and function of the vertebrate inner ear.
Description: The student will rely on the zebrafish model to investigate the impact of noise exposure on development of the inner ear, auditory sensitivity and behavioral traits. The project implies the use of a variety of research methods, such
as electrophysiology recordings, immunohistochemistry, imaging and gene _expression_ techniques (qPCR, transcriptomics).
Research activities will take place mostly at the USJ science laboratories (Macao), but availability to work in other labs abroad (USA and/or Portugal) is necessary. The candidate will be supervised mostly by the project coordinator, Prof. Raquel Vasconcelos
(USJ), and eventually by the team member Prof. Andrew Bass (Cornell University, USA).
The PhD student is expected to develop research, write a thesis and publish data in international peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as, to participate in general lab management tasks.
Qualifications required: Suitable candidates are those with a background (Master degree or equivalent experience) in one of the fields: Biology, Medicine, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences or related fields. Students are expected
to communicate mostly in English. Chinese language will be an advantage but not compulsory. Laboratory experience in molecular techniques and/or electrophysiology is preferable, but training will also be provided.
Conditions: 36 months duration, starting on September 2016; stipend - 12.500 MOP/month (1564 USD/month). The work will be funded by an FDCT/Macao research grant: project “Listening to the Environment: Importance of Early Acoustic Experience on
Hearing and Development in Zebrafish”, ref n. 036/2015/A1. Tuition fee is not funded.
2) POSITION FOR LAB TECHNICIAN/ RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph (Macao SAR)
Applications are invited for a full-time lab technician/research assistant to work under the project “Listening to the Environment: Importance of Early Acoustic Experience on Hearing and Development in Zebrafish“ funded by FDCT/Macao (ref n. 036/2015/A1).
Qualifications required: Suitable candidates are those with a background (Bachelor degree or equivalent) in one of the fields: Biology, Medicine, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences or related fields. We are looking for organized,
responsible, willing to learn and independent applicants. Candidates should be fluent in English. Chinese language will be an advantage but not compulsory. Laboratory research experience in molecular techniques is highly preferable but training will also be
provided. Candidates must be either Macau residents or enrolled in a USJ master/PhD program willing to develop their thesis related to the research project.
Duties:
- Participation in lab experiments and routine lab techniques (real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, egg microinjections, ELISA immunoassays, imaging and behavioral observations).
- Maintenance of zebrafish lines, lab equipment and stock of reagents/consumables.
- Organization of lab protocols and general lab management tasks.
Conditions: 12 months contract renewal up to 36 months, starting on September 1st, 2016. Salary: 12.000 MOP/month (c. 1500 USD/month). Schedule to be arranged with project coordinator, Prof. Raquel Vasconcelos.
How to apply: Candidates should send an email with a copy of the CV (English) and a motivation letter to
along with 3 contacts of potential referees. Candidates should also use this contact in case for any queries regarding this application. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted
for final selection and interview. Position will remained opened until filled, but applications are expected before July 10th, 2016.
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Raquel O. Vasconcelos, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Institute of Science and Environment University of Saint Joseph, Macau SAR, China “things look complicated until you understand them..."
- Jeff Hawkins
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