The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) belongs to the „Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. (FVB)“. The FVB is an institution of seven natural sciences research institutes in Berlin which are funded by the federal and state governments. The research institutes belong to the Leibniz Association.
In the group of Prof. Thomas J. Jentsch (FMP Berlin) there is an opening for a
Postdoc in Electrophysiology (f/m/d)
(Ref. 27/2022)
The position is limited for two years with the possibility of extension. The position is available immediately.
In ERC- and DFG-funded projects, we investigate the structure-function, cell biology and physiology of ion channels in cell culture and in newly generated genetic mouse models. Our lab is leading in the field of anion transport, focusing on channel classes we have identified molecularly (CLCs, swelling-activated VRAC/LRRC8 and acid-activated ASOR/TMEM206).
Two current projects offer exciting opportunities for electrophysiologists who wish to elucidate the role of ‘novel’ ion channels in brain function. The first project focuses on the role of the voltage-gated Cl channel ClC-2 in brain. We have shown that loss of ClC-2 leads to leukodystrophy, but mutations that ‘open’ ClC-2 to hyperaldosteronism in mice and man. We have established sophisticated mouse models to assess the role of both loss- and gain-of-function ClC-2 mutations on the CNS using a combination of electrophysiology and behavioral studies. ClC-2 likely affects several neuronal parameters, including neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, both through electrical ‘shunting’ and by changing the cytoplasmic chloride concentration. The second project focuses on the swelling activated VRAC channel, a heterohexamer of up to five different subunits. Excitingly, this Cl channel also transports neurotransmitters, depending on the subunit composition. We have generated KO mice for all subunits and have begun to study their impact on neuronal function. Encouraging preliminary results have been obtained in either project and all necessary mouse lines are available. If time and interest permit, the candidate might also participate in structure/function studies of anion channels in collaboration with cryo-EM groups.
We are looking for highly motivated young scientists with experience in electrophysiology, preferably in slice physiology, and a keen interest in science. Experience in ion concentration imaging and/or programming would be an asset.
We are an international, highly interdisciplinary group. Our lab is well equipped with several patch-clamp setups, ion imaging, confocal microscopy and all common equipment for molecular cell biology and morphology. We have direct access to the outstanding core facilities of the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), a generously funded academic non-university research institute.
Compensation is in accordance with the TVöD Bund (German public service) salary scale. Social benefits correspond to those of the public service.
We offer an attractive environment in a pleasant, friendly working atmosphere with an excellent infrastructure, Employment with all benefits of the public service, Continuing education and training and family service.In 2013 the institute was awarded the certificate of the audit Beruf und Familie as a family-friendly employer.
We offer equal opportunities regardless of gender and welcome applications of disabled candidates. They will be preferred in case of equal qualification. We welcome applications from all backgrounds
Visit our webpage http://www.fmp-berlin.de/jentsch.html to know more about our lab.
How to Apply:
On the FMP homepage please go to “Stellenangebote/Jobs” and click first on this advertisement and then “Online bewerben”. Please send your application documents including motivation letter, CV and names and contacts of references before December 14th 2022.
Or send your application, including motivation letter, CV and names and contacts of references to Prof. Thomas Jentsch jentsch@fmp-berlin.de
We are looking forward to your application!
Some recent publications:
Voss F.K., Ullrich F., Münch J.,…, von Kries J.P., Stauber T., Jentsch T.J. (2014). Identification of LRRC8 heteromers as an essential component of the volume-regulated anion channel VRAC. Science 344, 634-638.
Lutter D., Ullrich F., Lueck J.C., Kempa S., Jentsch T.J. (2017). Selective transport of neurotransmitters and –modulators by distinct volume-regulated LRRC8 anion channels. J. Cell Sci. 130, 1122-1133.
Ullrich F., Blin S., Lazarow K., Daubitz T., von Kries J.P., Jentsch T.J. (2019). Identification of TMEM206 proteins as pore of PAORAC/ASOR acid-sensitive chloride channels. eLife 8.
Wang C.#, Polovitskaya M.M.#, Delgado B.D., Jentsch T.J.*, Long S.B*. (2022) Gating choreography and mechanism of the human proton-activated chloride channel ASOR. Science Advances 8, eabm3942
Zeziulia M., Blin S., Schmitt F.W., Lehmann M. Jentsch T.J. (2022) Proton-gated anion transport governs macropinosome shrinkage. Nature Cell Biol, 24: 885-895.
Hoegg-Beiler M.B., Sirisi S., Orozco I.J., … Estévez R., Jentsch T.J. (2014). Disrupting MLC1 and GlialCAM and ClC-2 interactions in leukodystrophy entails glial Cl- channel dysfunction. Nature Commun. 5: 3475.
Fernandes-Rosa F.L., Daniil G., Orozco I.J., Göppner C., …., Jentsch T.J.+, Zennaro M.C.+ (2018). A gain-of-function mutation in the CLCN2 chloride channel gene causes primary aldosteronism. Nature Gen. 350, 355-361.
Göppner C., Orozco I.J., Hoegg-Beiler M.B., Soria A.H., Hübner C.A., Fernandes-Rosa F.L., Boulkroun S., Zennaro M.C., Jentsch T.J. (2019). Pathogenesis of hypertension in a mouse model for CLCN2-related hyperaldosteronism. Nature Communications 10, 4678.
