SCIENCE-JOBS-DE
Post-doctoral researcher (Berlin)
Job offer 05/2015
The Leibniz-Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP) belongs to the „Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. (FVB)“. The FVB is an institution of eight natural sciences research institutes in Berlin funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the association of its federal states. The research institutes are members of the Leibniz association.
Our Emmy Noether Research group is a young and independent research team associated to the German Leibniz foundation and located at the central Charité campus in Berlin. We focus on the molecular mechanisms that link the fusion of neurotransmitter containing synaptic vesicles to the subsequent endocytosis reaction for membrane retrieval. We are especially interested in understanding how scaffolding proteins at the active zone optimize synapses for rapid and synchronized exo- and endocytosis. We use state-of-the-art electrophysiological (voltage clamp) and optical methods (Ca2+ imaging, SynaptopHluorine imaging, optogenetic stimulation) and combine experiments with theoretical mathematical modeling to gain mechanistic insight into exo- and endocytosis reactions (Walter et al, PLoS Comput Biol. 2013;9(12):e1003362; Walter et al, EMBO J. 2014 Aug 1;33(15):1681-97; Kononenko et al, Neuron. 2014 Jun 4;82(5):981-8).
The independent research group „Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience” (headed by Dr. Alexander Walter), Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology, Berlin is recruiting a postdoctoral scientist to work on fast chemical neurotransmission with an emphasis on the molecular principles underlying the coordination of neuronal exo- and endocytosis.
The position will be funded by a grant from German Science Foundation (DFG).
We are looking for a Post-doctoral researcher in mechanistic investigations of synaptic transmission working 39 hours/week on a limited time contract (initial appointment is for two years/ extension possible). The tentative start is 01.03.2015.
Job description:
The focus of the position will be to investigate the local exo- and endocytosis machinery at active zones at the Drosophila Melanogaster Neromuscular Junction. The candidate will perform physiological exo- and endocytosis measurements in mutants of active zone proteins and relate changes in these reactions to changes in the structure or protein composition of active zones. We strongly value a research environment with emphasis on collaboration between group members with different backgrounds. Our group will work in mouse and fly model systems and apply molecular and biochemical methods, superresolution imaging, flash-freeze electron microscopy (optogenetic stimulation of neurotransmission, followed by rapid high-pressure freezing), electrophysiology and mathematical modeling.
Requirements:
A PhD in a relevant biological area is required. Fluency in spoken and written English is a strong requirement. The successful candidate will have strong experience in at least one of the following two fields:
• Live cell imaging
• Biochemistry or other in-vitro techniques applied to synaptic proteins.
We expect a skilled, open-minded and very enterprising candidate capable of working independently as well as in a collaborative research group. A substantial track record publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals will be considered a distinct advantage.
For more information please contact:
Dr. Alexander Walter ; e-mail: Alexander.Walter@charite.de ;
Tel: (+49) 30 450 639026
Salaries will be based on TVöD. We offer equal opportunities regardless of gender, age ethnic origin or religion. We welcome applications of disabled candidates, who will be given preference in case of equal qualification. We offer assistance in finding childcare on the campus.
Please address your electronic application including a cover letter, describing the applicant’s motivation and suitability for the position; curriculum vitae (incl. the applicants email address) with a list of publications; a brief outline (max 1 page) of a research project in the field of synaptic transmission (the suggestion does not necessarily have to overlap with the current project description); two letters of reference and contact details of 3 persons for references until 20.02.2015 to Frau Spors (spors@fmp-berlin.de
Marina Spors
spors@fmp-berlin.de
Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie im Forschungsverbund Berlin.e.V.
Berlin