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 funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the association of its federal states. The research institutes belong to the Leibniz association.
The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) in Berlin is a non-university research institute that conducts basic research in molecular pharmacology and provides a vibrant and collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities for research and employees from all over the world.
The research unit Structural Chemistry & Computational Biophysics led by Prof. Han Sun is looking for a
PhD student or postdoctoral fellow (f/m/d)
(Ref. 13/2024)
The positions are to be filled as soon as possible and initially limited to 3 years for the PhD student or 2 years for the postdoctoral fellow with the potential for extension.
Project description:
Two-pore-domain potassium (K2P) channels are critical for regulating the resting membrane potential and controlling cellular excitability in various cell types. Dysregulation of these channels has been implicated in various pathophysiological conditions, including atrial fibrillation, respiratory depression, pulmonary hypertension, sleep apnea, neuropathic pain, migraine, and depression, making them attractive targets for drug development. In this project, we aim to investigate the gating mechanism of K2P channels and to develop selective modulators using a combination of electrophysiology, solid-state NMR, cryo-electron microscopy, and large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. The selected PhD student or postdoctoral fellow will join an interdisciplinary research consortium based in Berlin, Kiel, and Hamburg, participating in the cryo-EM structural analysis and refinement of K2P channels. Furthermore, she/he will develop and apply a state-of-the-art molecular dynamics approach to study the gating dynamics of these channels. See also some of our previous related publications: (Türkaydin et al., Nat. Commun. 2024; Schewe et al., Science 2019; Biedermann et al., PNAS, 2021).
Your profile:
We are seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and talented young student to join our enthusiastic and collaborative team in an outstanding scientific environment. The successful candidates should possess a Master’s degree in biophysics, chemistry, biology, or bioinformatics and have experience or a solid understanding of structural or computational biology. Candidates with additional experience in ion channels and transporters are strongly encouraged to apply.
We offer:
- A stimulating environment within a pleasant and friendly working atmosphere, supported by excellent infrastructure
- Employment with all benefits associated with the public service
- Opportunities to work with leading structural biologists and molecular physiologists from around the world
- Participation in first-class conferences and workshops
- Family services and support
Salaries will be based on the TVöD scale. 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.
For more information please contact:
Prof. Han Sun; E-mail: hsun@fmp-berlin.de
Homepage FMP: https://leibniz-fmp.de/research/research-section/chemical-biology/han-sun
How to apply:
On the FMP homepage please go to “Stellenangebote/Jobs” and click first on this advertisement and then “Apply online”.
Please send your application including motivation letter, CV, names and contacts of two references and copies of degree certificates as soon as possible but not later than Jan 31, 2025.
We are looking forward to your application!
