POSTDOC: JERUSALEM
Diversity in body size underlies two of the organization principles of bumblebee societies: worker division of labor and caste determination, but little is known on the proximate mechanisms regulating body size and how they are socially regulated. This project explores how social cues such as pheromones, behavior, and queen regurgitates, interact with endocrine and epigenetic processes to regulate genes involved in larva development in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris. To meet these goals we integrate sociobiological, behavioral, physiological, and molecular approaches. The molecular methods include but are not limited to RNAseq and RNAi. The position will be located at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with opportunities to travel to the US for training and research.
Required qualifications
* A PhD degree pending or obtained within the last three years in molecular biology, genetics, entomology, developmental biology, neurobiology, or related fields.
* Relevant lab expertise in developmental biology, neuroanatomy, bioinformatics, or molecular biology techniques. Experience with RNAseq, bioinformatics, RNAi, or CRISPR-Cas9 DNA editing, or with bees is advantageous.
* An outstanding academic record
* Experience in organismal biology (e.g., animal behavior, neuroethology, or ecology) is advantageous.
* Fluent spoken and written English
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team.
The position is for 2-3 years but appointment is initially for one year and renewable based on performance. Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on standard postdoc fellowships in Israeli universities.
We offer a strong, internationally recognized and interdisciplinary working environment with an open academic atmosphere. Location in the beautiful city of Jerusalem. The project is part of a collaboration with the Woodard and Yamanaka Labs in the Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside and is supported by the US-Israel Agricultural Research and Development Fund, and the US-Israel Binational Science Foundation. The position will start on 1 September 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter.
To apply, please send a cover letter, current CV, and names and contact information for three references to Guy Bloch (guy.bloch@mail.huji.ac.il). The application deadline is September 1st, 2018. For more information on our research please visit our lab page at https://guybloch.huji.ac.il/ or contact Guy.