BioFuture Research Group Vacancies 2011

The BioFuture Research Group at the University of Ulm, Germany, offers opportunities for experimental research on the capacity of motor learning in Drosophila, the control of wing motion by the neuromuscular system of the insect and biomimetic robotics on flapping flight. This research is part of a new research focus by the German Science Foundation on fluid dynamics in nature and technology (SPP 1207).

The following position(s) are currently open:

BioFuture Research Group, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Ulm, Germany

Ph.D. position - Neurobiology of learning in Drosophila

February 2012

We seek a highly motivated Ph.D. student to work on the plasticity of motor learning behaviour in Drosophila on a neurobiological level. The project focuses on the role of experience on sensorimotor representation of the brain and thoracic ganglion of the animal. The employed methods include behavioural tests on tethered and freely flying fruit flies and behavioural genetics tools.

We offer a stimulating scientific environment in an interdisciplinary research group whose members work on a variety of topics covering vision-controlled behaviour, muscle physiology and propulsion. Ulm is a pleasant medium-sized university town located in the South of Germany with a lively cultural scene.

We heartily invite applicants from all scientific fields with a background in animal physiology, neurobiology, or related fields. Applicants should have a Diploma or Master degree. Good skills in quantitative and analytical techniques and proficiency in English are also essential.

The position is available from February 2012 and will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found. Applicants should submit their curriculum vitae, list of publications along with names and e-mail addresses of two referees to: PD Dr. Fritz-Olaf Lehmann, University of Ulm, Institute of Neurobiology, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany, fritz.lehmann(at)uni-ulm.de.

The University of Ulm is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. Employment is through the university's central administration. More information can be found at http://www.uni-ulm.de/nawi/nawi-neurobio/arbeitsgruppen/pd-dr-fritz-olaf-lehmann.html .

Post-Doctoral Fellow Position in Animal Locomotion / Robotics

June 2011, no application deadlline

We offer a post-doctoral position at the edge between Biology and Engineering for 2 years, starting on June 2011 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is funded by the national priority program 1207 of the German Science Foundation on fluid dynamics in nature and technology.

The project focuses on motor and body control in the fruit fly at a behavioral and robotic level. We aim to understand the control strategies needed for stability during maneuvering flight including the underlying changes in air flow pattern produced by body and wings.

The lab offers a stimulating scientific environment of an interdisciplinary research group whose members work on a variety of topics covering vision-controlled behaviors, muscle function and fluid dynamics of flight. Laboratory methods include fluorescence imaging, high speed video recording, flow imaging techniques and transgene fly lines.

We heartily invite applicants from all scientific fields who have a background in animal physiology, engineering, physics or related fields. Applicants should have a PhD degree. Good quantitative, analytical, and English skills are also essential. Ulm is a pleasant medium-sized university town located south of Germany with a lively cultural scene.

The position is available from June 1^st 2011 and the position remains open until a suitable candidate has been found. Applicants should submit their curriculum vitae, two publication and a brief statement of research interests along with names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of two referees to: PD Dr. Fritz-Olaf Lehmann, University of Ulm, Institute of Neurobiology, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany, fritz.lehmann@uni-ulm.de.