Postdoctoral fellow in Nanoscale Cardiac Signalling and Super-Resolution Microscopy - Bern, Schweiz - Universität Bern

Beschreibung

Institute for Physiology
Start of employment: or by agreement
Employment is fixed for 3 years

Calcium signaling in cardiac myocytes is highly sensitive to the nanoscale arrangement of proteins involved in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. To improve our understanding of these relationships we have established a new multi-instrument super-resolution microscopy facility in the Institute of Physiology. This includes the latest MINFLUX technology that enables optical fluorescence imaging down to the single nanometer finally enabling truly molecular imaging. The project will focus on dissecting a newly discovered mechanism in cardiac calcium regulation termed "ryanodine receptor dispersion". The basis of this mechanisms is the molecular scale redistribution of ryanodine receptors leading to altered functional calcium release as a novel mechanism for the contractile regulation of cardiac myocytes . To investigate this mechanism we have developed new ways to to correlate the nanoscale structure of protein arrangements and membrane systems with the physiology of calcium regulation in cardiac muscle by correlating live cell calcium and super-resolution protein distribution imaging . The latest addition to our toolbox is MINFLUX imaging for molecular scale imaging of cardiac proteins . The combined approach will be used to improve our understanding of cardiac dysfunction and loss of contractility to identify new treatment regimens for cardiac disease. We are looking for a well-trained and experienced researcher who will conduct and design experiments using our advanced imaging and analysis techniques

Tasks will include:

Design and conduct experimental series with cardiac myocytes

Design and conduct optical super-resolution imaging experiments

Advanced image and statistical analysis of experimental data

Scientific writing to the highest standard and compilation of high impact research publications

Co-supervision of Masters and Doctoral students

Requirements

MD or PhD in a medical, biological or biophysical discipline with a suitable quantitative background

experience as detailed below

Good speaking knowledge of English or German

Experience should include some of the following areas:

optical super-resolution imaging

physiological calcium imaging in cardiac preparations

image data analysis

general biophysics/physiology training and expertise

We offer We provide an environment that focuses on scientific excellence in a highly motivating setting with a multidisciplinary approach to cardiac physiology and biophysics, all based at the Institute of Physiology in the attractive city of Bern. In addition to providing training in all relevant areas we will also assist the postdoctoral candidate in their efforts to establish an independent scientific career by providing suitable training, mentoring and opportunities How to apply Please send your application by 31 May 2024, including a cover letter expressing your interest, curriculum vitae with qualifications, professional experience and publication list, as well as contact details of 2 referees (or their reference letters) by email addressed to Professor Christian Soeller : Informal pre-enquiries are welcome.