Description
The Liman Lab at the University of Southern California is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join our team studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of sensory transduction, with a focus on proton-selective ion channels (OTOPs) and their roles in cellular physiology in the taste and other systems. OTOP1, first described for its role in the vestibular system, was only recently reported by us to form a proton channel and sour taste receptor (Tu et al, Science, 2018; Teng et al, Curr Biol, 2019). The Liman lab has also identified elements of gating, described new contributions of OTOP1 to ammonium salt taste, and in collaboration published the structure of OTOP1 and identified small molecule inhibitors. This is just the beginning and there is still much to be learned!
Research Focus
Projects will involve dissecting ion channel function and contribution to physiology using a combination of patch-clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology, imaging, and in vivo models. Depending on interests and background, the fellow may lead work on:
- Structure–function analysis of OTOP family members and mechanisms of proton conduction and channel gating
- Contribution of OTOP channels to taste and other physiological processes using transgenic mouse models
- Discovery of modulators or inhibitors of proton channels
Apply now
Inquiries may be addressed to Liman@usc.edu. Please include a c.v. and cover letter
What we offer
- A supportive and data-driven research environment with opportunity to interact with the larger USC community
- Competitive NIH-scale salary with generous benefits and mentoring tailored toward academic or industry career paths
- A park-like campus located near the heart of Los Angeles, and within close proximity to beautiful beaches and snow-capped mountains
Requirements
- PhD in Neuroscience, Physiology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related field
- Strong foundation in electrophysiology (whole-cell, excised patch, or similar) or advanced molecular biology/transgenic mouse design and testing
- Experience with heterologous expression systems, primary cells, or mouse models is a plus
- Evidence of productivity (first-author publications, preprints)
