How do brains generate adaptive behaviours? How does the internal state modify circuits to guide behaviour? We study sleep in the fly Drosophila to explore these questions. The lab uses a range of techniques including sophisticated intersectional genetics, anatomical circuit tracing, high-resolution measurements of structural changes, optical imaging of neural activity, and high-throughput behaviour. Accordingly, we welcome people from different intellectual backgrounds including biology, psychology, and engineering. We believe strongly in a diverse, inclusive working environment. Individuals from historically marginalised backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
|
Positions
We have open positions at multiple levels.
Project Associate / Junior Research Fellow
|
We will likely be recruiting for one Project Associate / Junior Research Fellow position soon. We are particularly interested in candidates with an engineering background, or someone who likes to tinker and build things.
PhD Students
We are actively recruiting PhD students to study sleep and flexible behaviours. The PhD program in Biology will be accepting applications in April. All selected students are funded for 5 years of graduate studies, and housed near campus. Life science research at Ashoka is thriving and growing with many groups sharing an open lab. There are thus many opportunities for formal and informal collaborations. Students will also benefit from the vibrant intellectual atmosphere of a world-class liberal arts and science research university. There are many exciting potential PhD projects. Email Krishna for more details.
Postdoctoral Scholars
We welcome applications from interested scholars who have recently defended their PhD thesis, or are close to doing so. If you think your research interests fall within the broad ambit of the lab, please contact Krishna to begin thinking about projects you might pursue in the lab. We do not currently have financial support for a postdoctoral position, however the lab will certainly fully support candidates in applications for external funding. A nice list of potential agencies to apply to for funding is here.
Interns
Students interested in the labs' research are encouraged to contact Krishna with a CV and statement of interest. For external interns, Ashoka does not charge fees for an internship, small stipends might be possible. Interns are housed in shared accommodation at an apartment complex close to campus.
Cover Image: Detail from "Head of a Sleeping Woman" Pablo Picasso 1907. Image hosted at the Museum of Modern Art, in the public domain.