The Zebrafish Neurobiology and Behavioural Genetics group
under Dr. Caroline Brennan

Now Recruiting

EPSRC PhD studentship, starting October 2012. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 31st January.

Developing automated assays for zebrafish behavioural analysis and drug discovery.

Supervised by Dr. Caroline Brennan (SBCS) and Dr. Fabrizio Smeraldi (EECS).

This project investigates molecular mechanisms underlying psychological disease. We use adult zebrafish as a model to explore developmental and genetic factors influencing behaviours associated with disease phenotypes. We have established assays of key behaviours associated with psychiatric disease including addiction ([1], [2]) in zebrafish. The aim of this project is to automate these and other assays and to use the developed systems to perform genetic and pharmacological screens.

The project will provide training in computer vision technology, the design of automated assays and equipment and in behavioural analysis and genetic and pharmacological screening techniques in fish.

Funding will cover College fees and an annual stipend. Applications are invited from candidates with, or expecting to be awarded, at least an upper-second class degree in an area relevant to the project (e.g. Bio- or Electronic Engineering, Physics or Biophysics, Computer Science, Computational Biology, Psychology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology). Strong programming skills are essential; experience with Python, Labview and hardware interfacing would be an advantage.

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

1. Academic record of the applicant - i.e. B.Sc., M.Sc exam grades/degree class, relevant research experience gained from final year project, performance in final year project, any research publications (conference or journal) as a named author, and any other measures of academic ability.
2. Feedback from references.
3. Feedback from interview panel.
4. Research statement (it is recognised by the Panel that the project will have been to a large extent designed by the supervisor so it is advised that applicants in their research statement provide a). a brief summary in their own words of the aims of the project b). why this project is of particular interest to them c). what skills/experience they have that would make them strong candidates for the particular project. The research statement should be no more than 500 words.

Informal inquiries about the project can be made by email to Dr. Caroline Brennan. c.h.brennan@qmul.ac.uk

To apply please complete an online application form via the following link: SBCS Prospective Students

1. Kily, L.J., et al. J Exp Biol, 2008. 211(Pt 10): p. 1623-34.
2. Parker, M.O., et al. Behav Brain Res, 2011. 227(1): p. 73-80.