Biology

Fall Work Study or Independent Study Opportuntity on Evolutionary genetics of flower color  (posted 8/14/2008)

The goal of this project is to determine the genetic basis of the transition from blue to white flowers in Iochroma, an Andean genus in the potato family, Solanaceae.  Student will develop markers for regulatory genes in the anthocyanin pigment pathway and look for associations of these markers with flower color variation in segregating populations.  Student should have completed coursework in Genetics & Molecular Biology and General Chemistry and should be interested in developing skills in molecular genetics.  Experience with PCR, DNA sequencing, alignment and primer design are a plus. 

Interested students should send an email stating why they would like to be involved in the project and include a list of relevant coursework and previous lab experience.  The student will be expected to work around 10 hours per week on the project.  This is in the Rausher Lab in the French Science Center. Salary $9/hr (if not for credit).  If interested, send the info requested above to Dr. Stacy Smith, sds21@duke.edu

Fall Work Study or Independent Study Opportunity: Computer simulations of metabolic networks (posted 8/14/2008)

This is for someone with some computer and programming skills.

The task is to take a preexisting program that has been written in MatLab, and to develop a GUI for it, and then compile it into a stand-alone program. The programs we work with simulate fairly complex metabolic networks that are relevant to certain diseases.  for a peek at what we do go to http://metabolism.math.duke.edu/ The GUI we are seeking to develop is to give these programs a user-friendly interface. If interested, contact Dr. Fred Nijhout, hfn@duke.edu

Work Study Students Needed to Assist in the Cryptogamic Herbarium this academic year (posted 8/14/2008)

Assist with processing dried plant specimens (mosses and lichens)for the Cryptogamic Herbarium:  glue labels onto specimen packets and sort for accessioning; unpack incoming specimens; occasionally press specimens; fold specimen packets. Please apply if you can work a minimum of 7 hours/week. Salary is $9/hr.  Contact Molly McMullen, mmcm@duke.edu; Room 362 BioSci Bldg.

Work Study Office assistant position for Fall/Spring (posted 8/14/2008)

The Biology Dept is looking to hire office Assistants to work in the Bio Sci bldg.  Every day, twice a day, the mail needs distributing.  We need people to cover this by working 1-2 hour slots many times a week rather than a 4 hour shift once or twice a week.  In addition, the students would help our 5 department staff people with making copies, sorting bills, putting up fliers, filing, delivering documents to various offices on campus and do whatever needs doing. Salary is $9/hr. If interested, contact Jo Bernhardt at jcbernha@duke.edu, 6660-7372

Student Jobs in Ecology with Rob Jackson´s Lab (posted 8/14/2008)

We are filling 2 student positions for fall 2008. These positions offer an excellent opportunity to learn lab and field techniques employed in ecosystem ecology, eco-physiology, and biogeochemistry research. You´ll work closely with graduate students, post-docs, and technicians on projects ranging from the ecosystem consequences (water and carbon) of woody plant encroachment and agricultural conversion of grasslands to the effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 on a Loblolly Pine forest (the Duke FACE site). Specific duties include but are not limited to soil sampling, soil and plant preparation for elemental and isotopic analyses, and data entry. Applications are being accepted immediately. Start and end dates are flexible. Work study is preferable but not required. For more information about research in our lab, visit http://www.biology.duke.edu/jackson   

To apply, please email your resume to: Will Cook, cwcook@duke.edu, (phone: 660-5144).

Position available for work-study student in the Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology. (posted 8/11/08)

Research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of brain development and brain tumor formation. Work may involve data entry, making solutions and preparing plasmids, screening transgenic mice using PCR, and contributing to lab management. Prior experience in a laboratory setting is helpful but not necessary.  Schedule is flexible, but approximately 10 hours/week will be expected. LATEST DATE TO SEND RESUME is AUG.22nd. If interested, send contact information and resume to John.dutton@duke.edu <mailto:John.dutton@duke.edu>

Work study or volunteer position in the Bagat lab (Cell Bio dept, Nan Duke Bldg).  (posted 8/11/08)

http://www.cellbio.duke.edu/Faculty/Research/Bagnat.html
Working together with other lab members in the characterization of processes involved in single lumen formation in biological tubes. The project will involve the expression and purification of proteins to be used in in vitro assays. The candidate will learn basic molecular biology, microscopy and biochemistry. If interested, contact Michel Bagat, m.bagnat@cellbio.duke.edu

Animal Care Assistant (posted 8/11/08)

We are searching for undergrads/grad students for the fall semester or longer who have experience (or want experience) working with laboratory animals. The job is feeding and caring for infant and juvenile tree shrews. We are looking for someone to work 2-3 weekday mornings beginning at 8am. The days can be flexible. We also would like for this person to work 1 weekend a month (this is preferred, but not required). Total time is about 2-3 hours depending on the number of babies. Or, if you can't work during the week, we are looking for someone to work 2 weekends a month. Pay is $8.50/hr. If you are interested, please email your resume to Julie Heiner, heiner@neuro.duke.edu.

Work Study position (posted 8/11/08)

This position involves glassware washing and media preparation, maintaining Drosophila research cultures, and general assistance with research projects studying a genetic pathway that causes cancer in humans (see http://fds.duke.edu/db/aas/Biology/faculty/amy.bejsovec). An interest in biology, and genetic research in particular, is essential. Freshman are encouraged to apply. Satisfactory performance may lead to independent study opportunity in subsequent years. Salary is $8.50/hr. If interested, contact Anna Chao,  anna.chao@duke.edu

Work Study lab job (posted 8/5/08)

Work Study Position available in the Reya lab, LSRC building. Research focuses on understanding the regulation of stem cell development. Work involves screening of transgenic mice using PCR analysis, making solutions, and preparing plasmids, and contributing to general lab management.

Prior experience in a laboratory setting is helpful but not necessary. Schedule is flexible but approximately ten hours a week will be expected.

Salary is $8.50/hr. Starts fall semester. End is indefinite (depending on performance). If interested, contact Sam Honeycutt, seh29@notes.duke.edu

Independent Study Opportunties (posted 7/28/08) 

with Dr. Cagla Eroglu in the Cell Biology Dept., c.eroglu@cellbio.duke.edu

We are seeking undergrads (2nd to 3rd year) who would be interested to have their own projects within the scope of the labs main research area outlined below. 
Our laboratory is interested in understanding how central nervous system (CNS) synapses are formed. In the CNS, neurons make very specific connections with distant targets and establishment of these synaptic contacts are meticulously timed, demonstrating the presence of a complex control of synapse formation. However our knowledge on regulation of synaptogenesis is still limited.
  Synapses are essentially asymmetric cell adhesions. Since synapses in the CNS are formed between neurons, traditional studies in synapse formation primarily focuses on neuronal cell surface molecules. However in the last decade astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the CNS, emerged as an important player in the formation of synapses.
  We are able to study the effect of astrocytes in synapse formation thanks to our retinal ganglion neuron culture system. Unlike many other primary neuronal culture systems, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can be isolated from rodent retina as a pure population and can be cultured in the absence of any other cell type, in a serum free well-defined culture media. Interestingly, RGCs cultured in the absence of astrocytes form very few synapses. In contrast, neurons cultured in the presence of astrocytes or astrocyte conditioned media form many synapses. This is due to the fact that astrocytes secrete factors that regulate synapse formation. We work to identify these factors and elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which astrocytes regulate synapse formation both in vitro and in vivo.
  Understanding synaptogenesis is crucial for understanding how our brains are sculpted during development, and how we learn and remember as adults.  In addition, knowledge on how synaptogenesis can go awry has important health implications for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and drug addiction.
What are the secreted signals coming from astrocytes that regulate synapse formation?
Using our culture system we screen candidate secreted proteins for their role in synapse formation. Thrombospondin (TSP), a 450kDa extracellular matrix protein coming from astrocytes, has previously been shown to be sufficient and necessary for astrocyte-induced synapse formation in vitro. In addition, we have identified two other extracellular matrix proteins expressed by astrocytes that regulate synapse formation. Interestingly, one of these proteins is a negative regulator of synapse formation indicating that astrocytes not only provide positive but also negative cues for synaptogenesis. We are continuing to investigate the role of other astrocyte secreted factors in synapse formation and CNS development.
How do astrocyte-secreted factors lead to synapse formation?
To answer this question we are investigating the identity of the neuronal cell surface receptors for these astrocyte secreted signals and characterizing their mechanisms of action in synapse formation.
What is the role of astrocyte-induced synapse formation in development and maintenance of the CNS?
Since astrocytes secrete regulators of synapse formation, they might play important roles in the development and function of the CNS. The expression of Thrombospondins and several other astrocyte-secreted factors are developmentally regulated and their expression coincides with the synaptogenic period of the brain. In addition, astrocytes have been implicated to play an important role in the regulation of the developmental synaptic plasticity. Using knockout mice and inhibitors of astrocyte induced synapse formation we study different developmental plasticity and disease paradigms to get a molecular grasp on how astrocytes might participate in these processes.
 

Part or Full time position for student or recent grad (posted 6/2/08)

A part-time or full-time position is open for a student or recent graduate to work in the exciting field of molecular motor proteins in the Department of Cell Biology at Duke Medical Center. The work involves molecular biology and biochemistry, as well as cytological methods and genetics, and involves work with Drosophila. Applicants with a strong background in science and math with previous laboratory experience are preferred. This is an excellent entry-level position into scientific research with flexible hours and potential for participating in important findings. Contact Dr. Sharyn Endow, endow001@mc.duke.edu

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