Postdoc "Molecular Regulation of TRP channels"

The group Ion Transport of the department of Physiology is seeking 2 Postdocs.

Position
Postdocs (3 years)

Job profile

The maintenance of the Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ balance is of crucial importance for many vital physiological functions including neuronal excitability, muscle contraction and bone formation. In healthy adults, the renal excretion of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ is critically balanced by gastrointestinal absorption. A major breakthrough in completing the molecular details of the above-mentioned pathways was the identification of the Transient Receptor Potential channel (TRP) superfamily. Our group identified and characterized the epithelial Ca²⁺ channel family that consists of two members TRPV5 and TRPV6. Recently, another TRP channel (TRPM6) was postulated as the epithelial Mg²⁺ influx mechanism. The epithelial Ca²⁺ channels could be involved in the multifactorial pathogenesis of disorders ranging from idiopathic hypercalciuria, stone disease and postmenopausal osteoporosis, whereas TRPM6 was mutated in patients with hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia (HSH). TRPV5, TRPV6 and TRPM6 display the defining properties for being the gatekeepers in active Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ (re)absorption and are prime targets for hormonal control of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ flux from the luminal space to the blood compartment. Our studies focus on molecular regulatory mechanisms to understand the physiological function of these unique epithelial ion channels. To this end, the functional activity of these channels is measured in various cell lines heterogeneously expressing TRPV5, TRPV6 and TRPM6. Recent studies in our group revealed interesting regulatory binding-partners that modulate the activity of these TRP channels. Projects aim to unravel the mechanism of epithelial TRP channel regulation and therefore Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ (re)absorption to provide insight in the molecular basis of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ balance-related diseases.

The department of Physiology has a long-standing tradition in transport physiology in epithelia and build up a substantial know-how and infrastructure in the field of molecular and cellular physiology of water and electrolyte transport. The department is, together with basic science and research-oriented clinical departments of the Radboud University Nijmegen, housed in the "Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences (NCLMS, www.ncmls.eu)", which integrates diverse scientific expertises in molecular and medical science for the advancement of innovation in translational research.

Requirements

• PhD in biomedical/physiological sciences or related field.
• Strong proficiency in molecular biological / biochemical procedures.
• Good track record of scientific publications.
• Experience of working with recombinant ion channels expressed in cell lines is desirable.
• Other important qualities of the appointee will be enthusiasm, motivation, flexibility, willingness to learn, and the ability to work and interact with others in an energetic and supportive research group

Major research duties and responsibilities for this position:

• Execution of TOP level research using multi-disciplinary approaches.
• Advanced confocal microscopy to study cell biological aspects of TRP channels.
• Maintenance of cell lines necessary for the experiments.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Contribution towards preparation and submission of manuscripts.

Closing date
On going

Further information and contact

Salary is according to CAO-RUNMC. Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from Prof. Joost Hoenderop or Prof. René Bindels or detailed information about the department can also be found at www.physiomics.eu

Applicants should send a letter of intent outlining special interest in the position, overall related qualifications, experience and career goals, a curriculum vitae and names and addresses of professional references to us via this link.