Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Parkinson's Disease Models

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Professor Christian Grimm, to carry out research into Parkinson's Disease, funded by the Michael J Fox Foundtaion.

You will provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including postdocs, research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students.

This two-year project is titled 'Electrophysiological characteriziation of dopaminergic neurons derived from human Parkinson disease iPSC models upon TRPML1 agonist treatment'. The project aims to investigate whether targeting the lysosomal ion channel TRPML1 can rescue Parkinson's disease-associated neuronal dysfunction in human iPSC-derived neurons carrying LRRK2, GBA1, or SNCA mutations. Using patch clamp electrophysiology to compare untreated and target-agonist-treated neurons, you will measure neuronal firing, action potentials, and related electrophysiological parameters to address a key knowledge gap in lysosomal target engagement in PD.

In this role, you will need to manage your own academic research and administrative activities; adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols relating specifically to endolysosomal patch-clamping (mandatory) and Ca2+ imaging as well as FRET; test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources; and collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.

You will need to hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion) and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in endolysosomal patch clamping, endolysosomal ion channel research including biophysical, physiologial and pathophysiological knowledge to work our established research programmes. You should also be able to demonstrate your ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities, experience of contributing to publications/presentations;

and excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.

The post is available immediately and will be fixed term to 31 January 2028, funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation.