Call for nominations for hands on training in the generation of transgenic and knockout rodent models at the Transgenic and Genetically Engineered Models facility at University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA (UAB-TGEMS)

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune

(An autonomous Institution of Ministry of HRD, Govt of India)

Dr Homi Bhabha Road, 

Pune 411 008 

Advt. No.: 08/2018 

Call for nominations for hands on training in the generation of transgenic and knockout rodent models at the Transgenic and Genetically Engineered Models facility at University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA (UAB-TGEMS) 

(Apply on or before 25 March 2018) 

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune is a premier autonomous Institution established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, for promotion of high quality science education and research in the country. 

The DBT-funded National Facility for Gene Function in Health and Disease (a collaboration between IISER, Pune and NCCS, Pune) invites nominations from Deans or Heads of Indian universities/institutions of researchers and technical staff for developing rodent knockout and transgenic models at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), USA, Transgenic and Genetically Engineered Models (UAB-TGEMS) facility. 

Eligibility: The programme is open to Indian citizens employed as researchers and technical staff at the public funded R&D lab/S&T Institute/recognized academic institute/university/college in India with good facility to maintain and use knockout and transgenic rodent models for research and developmental work. 

Experience: Demonstrated experience in handling rodent models, animal maintenance and ethical protocols, routine molecular biology techniques, etc. 

Age: Preferably below 50 years or should have at least 10 years of service remaining before superannuation. 

Preference: Animal house staff and equivalent technical staff who are likely to contribute to capacity building in India upon completion of training will be preferred. 

Programme objective: (1) Develop capacity, in India, to generate transgenic and knockout rodent models. (2) Promote research and capacity building in the frontline area of developing rodent disease models using contemporary genome engineering technologies. (3) It is expected that the participating individual will return to his/her home institution and establish rodent transgenic/knockout technology to cater to the local research community. 

Nature of support: (1) Subsistence allowance of US$ 2,500 per month for up to six months. (2) Return Air Fare in economy class and visa expenses. (3) Health Insurance of up to US$ 500. (4) Bench-fees, consumables and administrative expenses to be paid to UAB. 

Duration of the training and number of trainees: (1) The duration of the training will be for a period of up to 6 months. (2) Up to 3 individuals will be selected in this call. 

Nature of training: All selected nominees are expected to propose a transgenic/knockout generation project useful for their university/institute. IISER Pune and UAB will help to design the project that meets the regulatory and financial terms of the agreement with UAB-TGEMS. In case such a project is not feasible, selected trainees may work on one of the on-going projects at UAB-TGEMS to gain necessary expertise. 

UAB-TGEMS staff will provide consultation services and help finalize the work plan. Trainees are expected to work hands on all aspects of the project. This is inclusive of but not limited to the molecular biology leading to the development of reagents, animal handling, oocyte injections, genotyping, storage, etc. Trainees are also expected to work on on-going projects at the UAB-TGEMS to gain experience in a broad range of activities associated with transgenic/knockout generation, maintenance and use. 

University/institute authorities of the selected nominees should sign a MoU with IISER Pune agreeing to the terms and regulations of the training project and use of the generated transgenic models as per the agreement with UAS-TGEMS. 

How to apply: Nominations should be submitted to shashi@iiserpune.ac.in, along with the following documents: 

 Nomination letter outlining the competency of the nominee and the benefit of her/his training at UAB-TGEMS for the nominee’s organization. 

 Two recommendation letters from referees, including one from the Head of Department or Dean or Director or Vice-Chancellor. These letters should indicate why the candidate should be selected for this programme including, how the candidate is going to contribute to long-term capacity building in India upon return. 

 Copies of Certificates and transcripts of all degrees and academic qualifications. 

 CV of the nominee (not more than 3 pages) with latest photo. 

 A copy of the valid passport. 

 Outlines of specific projects (in not more than two pages; details will be sought from selected nominees for further discussions). 

Mode of selection: A DBT-approved selection committee duly constituted by IISER Pune and NCCS Pune will select nominees for the training at UAB-TGEMS. The committee reserves the right to decide number of posts awarded and the decision of the committee will be final. 

Last date for filling applications : 25 March 2018 

For information/clarifications contact : shashi@iiserpune.ac.in 

Advt. No. 08/2018/IISER-P/Nomination/28.02.2018