We recruit!
Dascal lab is looking for inquisitive, enthusiastic people who want to discover new principles in regulation of neuronal function in health and disease, and engage in finding cure for specific neurological disorders. Postdoctoral and graduate student (MSc, PhD, MD/PhD) positions are available starting in October 2024.
We are investigating regulation of activity of neuronal and cardiac cells by hormones and neurotransmitters via receptors and ion channels. We try to understand how these functions are altered in disease, and seek for treatments for the accompanying disorders. We use animal and cell models; molecular biology; protein biochemistry; kinetic, math and molecular modeling; biophysics; electrophysiology; optical methods; cell culture; and other.
1) Postdoctoral fellow. The specific project includes the study of the role of ion channels, G proteins and neurotransmitter receptors in genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding ion channels and subunits of G proteins. The causes of the disease and the way for cure are investigated by a multifaceted approach that includes electrophysiological and pharmacological studies in cellular systems and animal models, genetic analysis of human material and the corresponding mouse model, collaboration and coordination with patients and their doctors.
The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for designing and performing the experiments, participating in strategic planning, maintaining connections with the patient/parent community, and guiding and overseeing graduate students participating in the project.
Qualifications: training in neuroscience methods and approaches, electrophysiology in single cells; familiarity with signal transduction mechanisms, in particular GPCR-initiated processes. The candidate is expected to be familiar with basic principles and mechanisms of genetic diseases. EEG in intact animals – advantage. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in handling mice and/or neuronal cultures/brain slices.
2) Graduate (MSc/PhD students): we are currently recruiting graduate students for two projects:
1) Molecular mechanisms of function and regulation of G protein regulated K+ and Ca2+ channels, and their role in the etiology of genetic neurological disorders such as GNB1 Encephalopathy. The study includes mechanisms of regulation of several GPCR and G protein-regulated ion channels (and additional regulatory proteins), changes in their function caused by disease-causing mutations in G proteins and channels themselves, and corresponding changes in regulation of excitability in neurons and in model animals (mice). The approach includes electrophysiological and pharmacological studies in cellular systems and animal models, collaboration and participation in structural and molecular modeling studies in this and other laboratories.
Preferred background: knowledge of basic neuroscience, cellular signaling, molecular and cell biology or basic biochemistry/biophysics. Electronics, physics, bioinformatics, computer programming – advantage.
Required skills for PhD candidates: background in electrophysiology or pharmacology. Recombinant DNA techniques, cell biology/imaging/biochemical methods – advantage.
2) The function of cardiac calcium channels and their regulation by auxiliary proteins, by the diversity of their isoforms (alternative splicing/posttranslational modifications), with current emphasis on fundamental and previously poorly understood aspects of adrenergic (adrenalin & noradrenalin) regulation of these channels.
Preferred background: knowledge of physiology (including cardiovascular physiology), cellular signaling, pharmacology, molecular and cell biology or basic biochemistry/biophysics. Electronics, physics, bioinformatics, computer programming – advantage.
Required skills for PhD candidates: background in electrophysiology or pharmacology. Recombinant DNA techniques, cell biology/imaging/biochemical methods – advantage.
Address all inquiries to: Nathan Dascal dascaln@tauex.tau.ac.il