Currently we have one open PhD Position:

Role of novel voltage gated calcium channel interaction partners on pancreatic β-cell excitability and insulin release.

Project leader: Petronel Tuluc

Voltage-gated calcium channels (Cav) are critical regulators of endocrine cells excitability, hormone synthesis and vesicle exocytosis. Additionally, Cav channels activation modulates gene transcription, cell differentiation, and survival. Pancreatic β-cell of the islet of Langerhans secrete insulin, the only hormone capable of lowering the plasma glucose levels. Glucose-dependent insulin release depends on the activations of several Cav channel isoforms with distinct biophysical properties and subcellular localisation.

The future PhD student will be involved in an exciting multidisciplinary project to investigate the role of novel Ca_V channel interaction partners on pancreatic β-cell insulin release in health and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. In the course of the project the student will learn electrophysiology (voltage clamp, current clamp, capacitance measurements), ion channel pharmacology, computer modelling, calcium imaging in single cells and pancreatic slices, super resolution fluorescent microscopy, histology, single cell RNA-seq, ELISA.

The student will be enrolled in the CavX Doctoral Program at the University of Innsbruck and benefit from all training and networking opportunities offered by the CavX and Neuroscience PhD programs of the Medical University of Innsbruck. The successful student will receive the standard salary as stipulated by the Austrian Science Fund.

// The program offers:

• A specialized training in signaling processes of ion channels, membrane excitability, calcium signaling, and channelopathies.
• Expertise and training in the most modern techniques currently employed in ion channel research, neuroscience, and drug discovery including structure modelling, gene editing, high-end microscopy, electrophysiology, calcium imaging and optogenetics.
• Access to excellent infrastructure and core facilities through an established local scientific community.
• Monthly PhD seminars and progress reports which provide students both with in-depths training on ion channels as well as broader understanding of cell biology, neuroscience and pharmacology.
• International mobility opportunities both at scientific meetings and stay-abroad training periods.
• All lectures and courses are given in English.

// Requirements:

Candidates must:

• Hold a master’s degree or equivalent in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy or physics.
• Provide proof of an excellent academic and scientific level.
• Demonstrate previous experience in a research laboratory.
• Assert English language proficiency.

// Application:

• Applications must be received by February the 4th 2024! Download, fill in, and sign the application form, add your last name to the file name and send it by email to office@gmail.com.

// Preselection:

• After we receive your application we will contact your referees and we will organize online interviews (Skype, Zoom, etc) with the top candidates.

// Interviews:

• The candidates that have passed the online preselection process will be invited to Innsbruck to present their academic background, research experience, and motivation. With this occasion the candidates will also have the opportunity to meet the local scientific community and discuss with the currently employed graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.