cutting edge research | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans

Postdoctoral Position in Computational Biology, Massey University, New Zealand

The successful candidate will study ways of improving the spatial and temporal resolution of genetic inferences about past human migrations. Although there is scope to accommodate existing research interests, the successful candidate will develop, implement and test new methods in statistical genetics, and apply these methods to genome-scale datasets. This research will initially be directed toward reconstructing aspects of prehistoric mobility in the Pacific region, a major focus of my research group.

This postdoctoral fellowship offers a rare opportunity to extend your research training within an internationally recognized computational biology research group, while taking advantage of New Zealand’s unique natural and cultural environment. Palmerston North, a university town with a large international community, offers a full range of social and cultural amenities. The city is located close to the North Island’s central mountains, and presents regular opportunities for hiking, skiing, surfing and adventure sports, as well as experiencing New Zealand’s unique indigenous culture. Nevertheless, my research group maintains extensive international connections, especially with colleagues in Australia, Indonesia, France and the United States, and is linked firmly into the international scientific community.

Minimum Qualifications:
– A Ph.D. in computational biology, bioinformatics, applied mathematics, computer science, population genetics, molecular evolution, or other relevant field.
– Able to conduct independent cutting-edge research.
– Proven research experience with a strong publication record.
– Solid analytical, quantitative and mathematical skills.
– Fluency in probabilistic modeling and statistical genetics.
– Candidates should be comfortable working in a UNIX environment, have a strong programming background, and be proficient in working with large datasets.

Scholarship Application Deadline:15 May 2011

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MNRE National Solar Sciences Fellows Programme 2011, India

Fellowshiop Programme’for the year 2010–11 from Scientists of India or of Indian origin desirous of participating in cutting-edge research on critical issues related to solar energy in collaboration with leading Institutes and Scientists in India and the world.

The application has to be submitted in the prescribed proforma (Annexure I) and has to be accompanied by a short paper (not exceeding 3 pages) on the applicant’s proposed research proposal clearly identifying the new knowledge that it will help to generate along with a summary of work already carried out by the applicant in thearea. Short-listed candidates shall be invited for an interactive discussion with the Management Committee constituted by the Ministry under the ‘National Environmental Sciences Fellows Programme’. The application complete in all respects should be sent by Registered/Speed Post only (not by courier service) in a confidential sealed envelope

Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 March 2011

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Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Cell Biology, UK

The ability to migrate is an essential feature of most animal cells. During development, motion of cells is required for morphogenesis (e.g. gastrulation, organogenesis). In adult animals, cell motilityplays an important role in normal physiology (e.g. to combat infection) and disease (e.g. cancer metastasis). Although cell motility has been intensely studied, the overwhelming majority of the research effort has so far focused on just one mechanism of locomotion, prevalent when cells are cultured on glass substrates: lamellipodial-based migration. However, when migrating in 3D environments, cells can utilise other modes of motility in addition to lamellipodial motility. An increasing number of studies point to the importance of blebbing motility which is based on the formation of blebs at the leading edge. Blebs are quasi-spherical membrane protrusions that grow and disappear in minutes. They are initially devoid of F-actin but after bleb growth stops, an actin-rich cortex regrows under the membrane. Blebbing motility is essential for some embryonic cells during development. White blood cells can migrate using bleb-like protrusions when placed in 3D matrices. Some metastatic cancer cells can use blebbing motility to escape anti-tumour treatments, which block lamellipodial motility by targeting protease activity. Other tumour cells use blebs to cross the endothelium to invade tissues.

For blebbing to be translated into movement, cells need to exert forces on the extracellular environment and translocate their mass. During lamellipodial motility, cell-body translocation is achieved by contraction of the cell rear coupled to adhesion of the lamellipodium
to the substrate and forward protrusion.. In contrast, hardly anything is known about the sequence of events leading to motion in blebbing motility. Whether or not blebs actually adhere to the substrate is unknown. However, since blebbing motility is much more efficient when
cells are sandwiched between two surfaces, this suggests that pushing forces against the substrate, in addition to pulling on adhesions, could be involved. Little is known about F-actin cortex dynamics and its regulation during blebbing motility.

In summary, our understanding of blebbing motility lags far behindthat of lamellipodial motility. This proposal aims to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying bleb-based migration, an important yet understudied mode of cellular motility. Using a cell line that uses bleb to locomote (Walker carcinosarcoma cells), we will focus on two main objectives:
1) Understanding cell body translocation during blebbing motility in confined environments
2) Investigating the molecular mechanisms of movement in blebbing motility

Candidates should have a strong academic record: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Molecular Cell Biology with a first or an upper class second. This project involves a significant experimental component and previous experimental research experience is desirable. Research
experience in cell culture, molecular biology, and fluorescence microscopy is a plus. The stipend is of the order of £15k per year and
tuition fees will be covered. Funding is available to UK and EEA candidates. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis until the
position is filled.

Suitably qualified candidates interested in performing cutting edge research in a multidisciplinary scientific environment in order to understand blebbing motility should send their CV to Dr Guillaume Charras (g.charras-at-ucl.ac.uk,

Scholarship Application Deadline:Contact Employer

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