Postdoctoral Position on Ion Channel and Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins

Job Title: Postdoctoral Position on Ion Channel and Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins

Job Number: 54587

Location: Baltimore, US

Job Description

Postdoctoral opportunities are available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Zhaozhu Qiu at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The Qiu lab performs high-throughput functional genomic screens to discover and deorphanize novel ion channels and transporters. We employ a multi-disciplinary approach including patch-clamp electrophysiology, single-particle cryo-EM, single-cell RNA-Seq, imaging, mouse genetics and behavioral study to reveal the gating and regulatory mechanisms of the novel ion channels, and to elucidate their physiological function with a focus on the brain. We are also working to translate fundamental discoveries and target them for devastating neurological disorders (such as Alzheimer’s disease, glioma, and neuropathic pain). More information about the Qiu lab can be found at https://www.qiulab.org/.

Experience in the broad fields of membrane protein (structural biology, biochemistry, and electrophysiology), neuroscience (neuron, microglia, and astrocyte), and neurodevelopmental and neurological diseases is preferred, but not required. The candidates will join a stimulating and collaborative research environment. Strong mentorship will be provided to help them achieve their career goals. The Baltimore/Washington D.C. region also offers rich professional and living opportunities. To apply please provide a cover letter (with a brief statement of prior experience and research interests), CV, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Zhaozhu Qiu at [Please click the Apply button for the link or email].

Johns Hopkins University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Selected recent publications:

1.       Yang J, Chen J, Liu Y, Chen KH, Baraban JM, Qiu Z. Ventral tegmental area astrocytes modulate cocaine reward by tonically releasing GABA. Neuron. 2023 Jan 10:S0896-6273(22)01154-0. PMID: 36681074.

2.       Chu J, Yang J, Zhou Y, Chen J, Chen KH, Zhang C, Cheng HY, Koylass N, Liu JO, Guan Y, Qiu Z. ATP-releasing SWELL1 channel in spinal microglia contributes to neuropathic pain. Science Advances. 2023. PMID: 36712065.

3.       Mihaljević L, Ruan Z, Osei-Owusu J, Lü W#, Qiu Z#. Inhibition of the proton-activated chloride channel PAC by PIP2. eLife. 2023 Jan 12;12:e83935. PMID: 36633397.

4.       Osei-Owusu J, Ruan Z, Mihaljević L, Matasic DS, Chen KH, Lü W#, Qiu Z#. Molecular mechanism underlying desensitization of the proton-activated chloride channel PAC. eLife. 2022 Dec 22;11:e82955. PMID: 36547405.

5.       Osei-Owusu J, Kots E, Ruan Z, Mihaljević L, Chen KH, Tamhaney A, Ye X, Lü W, Weinstein H, Qiu Z. Molecular determinants of pH sensing in PAC proton-activated chloride channel. PNAS. 2022. 119(31):e2200727119. PMID: 35878032.

6.       Osei-Owusu J, Yang J, Leung KH, Ruan Z, Lü W, Krishnan Y, Qiu Z. Proton-activated chloride channel PAC regulates endosomal acidification and transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis. Cell Reports. 2021. 34(4):108683. PMID: 33503418.

7.       Ruan Z, Osei-Owusu J, Du J, Qiu Z#, Lü W#. Structures and pH sensing mechanism of proton-activated chloride channel. Nature. 2020. 588(7837):350-354. PMID: 33149300.

8.       Yang J, Chen J, Vitery MDC, Osei-Owusu J, Chu J, Yu H, Sun S, Qiu Z. PAC, an evolutionarily conserved membrane protein, is a proton-activated chloride channel. Science. 2019. 364: 395-399. PMID: 31023925.

9.       Yang J, Vitery MDC, Chen J, Osei-Owusu J, Chu J, Qiu Z. Glutamate-releasing SWELL1 channel in astrocytes modulates synaptic transmission and promotes brain damage in stroke. Neuron. 2019. 102: 813-827. PMID: 30982627.

Application Deadline: 2023-09-27