
2 PhD positions in Drosophila Behavioral Circuit Neuroscience
Two PhD positions are open in the Philipsborn lab at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.
We are interested in the behavioral neurobiology of reproduction, with a focus on chemical and acoustic
communication during sexual interactions. We are employing behavioral assays, audio recordings, genetic
manipulation and optogenetics, bioimaging and neuronal reconstructions to understand how circuit motifs
shape behavior.
For more information about the lab:
https://www.unifr.ch/med/de/research/groups/philipsborn/
https://philipsborn-lab.org/
Beginning: February 2023, or by arrangement
Duration: 4 years
Location: University of Fribourg, https://www.unifr.ch/med/fr/section/jobs/
Working time: 100%
Working area and tasks
You will enroll at Fribourg Graduate School of Life Sciences (FGLS) for doctoral education. The University also
offers access to optional doctoral programmes in Life Science/Neuroscience for additional training and
networking opportunities.
Your work will be part of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
In your research project, you will address one of the following topics:
1) Genetic and neuronal mechanisms of female responses to male inseminate
When female Drosophila copulate, they emit an acoustic signal that reflects male inseminate composition
(female copulation song). You will investigate the molecules, receptors and sensory neurons that allow
females to evaluate inseminate and react to it. Furthermore, you will analyse the neuronal circuits in
peripheral and central nervous system that are involved in female song generation and the communication
between reproductive organs and brain. For your project, you will be trained in and use Drosophila genetics,
RNAi, CRISPR/Cas 9 gene knockouts, optogenetics, behavioral assays, functional imaging, confocal
microscopy, anatomical reconstructions and connectomics.
2) Mechanisms of male plastic mating strategies and inseminate allocation
Male animals from many species, including Drosophila, modulate their mating stragtegies depending on
internal state and female quality. This includes adaptive transfer of inseminate. During your project, you will
analyse how seminal fluid protein composition changes depending on internal and external signals. You will
also invesitgate the neuronal circuits that control inseminate transfer and their modulation by sensory
information from the female. You will be trained in and work with Drosophila genetics, RNAi, CRISPR/Cas 9
gene knockouts, optogenetics, behavioral assays, functional imaging, confocal microscopy, anatomical
reconstructions and connectomics.
Your profile
The ideal candidate has a Master's Degree in Natural Sciences, interest in animal behavior and neuroscience,
proficiency in English and the ability to work independently, creatively and efficiently. Good computer
literacy, programming experience and knowledge of methods in neuroscience, microscopy, genetics and
molecular biology is of advantage.
How to apply/Contact
Please direct further questions and/or send your application (including a cover letter, CV, key records,
references or reference contacts) in a single PDF file to Prof. Anne von Philipsborn
(anne.vonphilipsborn@unifr.ch).
Deadline
November 20th, 2022. Interviews will be scheduled end November.