Location:

Summary

A postdoctoral position will be available after October, 2012, working in the new laboratory of Hiroki Taniguchi Ph.D., a research group leader at the Max Planck Florida Institute (MPFI) and a principal investigator of the “SAKIGAKE (PRESTO)” project in Japan.  The lab’s focus is on understanding neural circuit development and function of inhibitory neurons (see below).  We are looking for highly motivated individuals who will enjoy the process to achieve a unique science and have a strong ambition to create trends of neural circuit research as a principal investigator in the future.

The MPFI in Jupiter, Florida is the first institute established by Germany’s prestigious Max Planck Society outside of Europe.  The research focus of the MPFI is structure and function of neural circuits, the complex synaptic networks of the brain.  The MPFI has a close relationship with the Scripps Florida Institute and Florida Atlantic University on the same campus, and together is expected to become a new center for biomedical research in the US.  The MPFI also has a strong connection with several Max Planck Institutes in Germany, which provides an international environment beyond the US culture.

The Max Planck Florida Institute is located in south Florida where it is warm throughout the year and surrounded by plenty of nature. There are many good school districts within the area which make it a great place for families.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Research Topics:

Cortical GABAergic inhibitory neurons have many subtypes, each of which has (must have) unique fate specification mechanisms, innervation pattern and function.  The diversity in cell types has been thought to contribute to various kinds of computations in neural circuits.  However, a major obstacle to study GABAergic neurons has been the lack of experimental systems to manipulate subtypes.  We have recently developed Cre-knockin mouse lines that enable us to manipulate major subtypes of GABAergic interneurons.  We will use these mouse lines in combination with genetics, molecular biology, virology, and imaging techniques to understand fate specification, neural circuit development and function of GABA neuron subtypes.

Education and/or Experience

Qualifications:

Applicants must have or be expected to receive a Ph.D.

Experience in imaging with two-photon microscopy is preferred but not necessary.  Developmental neurobiologists who want to perform developmental studies in close relation to neural circuit functions and electro physiologists who want to expand their functional research using mouse genetics and state of the art imaging techniques are also encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

Application and required documents:

Submit your application via the MPFI website at www.maxplanckflorida.org and include

1. Complete CV including a publication list, experimental skills and contact information on 3 reference persons

2. Description of current and previous research summary (1-2 pages)

3. Description of the reason why you are applying (1-2 pages)

A PDF should be sent to Hiroki Taniguchi, Ph.D. via e-mail.

Contact prior to application is welcome.

E-mail: taniguchimpfi@gmail.com

Tel: 1-516-367-8368 (until July, 2012)

Tel: 1-561-972-9260 (on and after August, 2012)