Two NIH-funded postdoctoral positions are available to enthusiastic young scientists, for the study of neural signaling events in both mammalian and Drosophila systems. 

Successful candidates will have the following choices of research direction. 

1) Human genetic studies implicate that a new Ca²⁺/Calmodulin-binding transcription factor CAMTA1 suppresses brain tumorigenesis and facilitate memory formation.  We are planning to generate a knock-out mouse from existing ES cells, and characterize the cellular mechanism of CAMTA1 function using in vitro neuronal cultures.

2) By isolating new Drosophila mutants, we are studying how abnormalities in the signaling and trafficking of rhodopsin, a light-stimulated GPCR, lead to degeneration of photoreceptor neurons in the fly eye.

3) Using Drosophila mutants to study functions and the underlying mechanisms of visual glia. 

We expect the candidates have strong experience in mouse genetics and neuronal culture, or in Drosophila neurobiology.  Training on electrophysiology is a plus.  Application materials, including a cover letter describing research interest, a copy of CV and contact information of three references, should be sent to Hong-Sheng.Li@umassmed.edu.