Research Technician in Ion Channel Pharmacology

We are looking for a professional and proactive individual to join a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funded project on the mechanisms of activation of TRPC4/5 channels. In this project, you will work in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, where you will use molecular biology and pharmacology techniques to investigate which domains/residues of TRPC4/5 channels are essential for activation by the natural product (-)-Englerin A (EA).

TRPC4 and TRPC5 proteins form tetrameric cation channels with key roles in cellular signal transduction/integration. Because of their implication in various human diseases, TRPC4/5 channels have emerged as potential therapeutic targets, for example for cardiovascular inflammation, heart failure, cancer and anxiety disorders.  However, the pharmacology of TRPC channels is poorly understood, and a better understanding of the interaction of TRPC4/5 channels with small molecule modulators would benefit both fundamental and translational studies. EA is a natural product isolated from the stem bark of Phyllanthus engleri, a plant indigenous to east Africa.  EA selectively kills renal cancer cell lines by activation of TRPC4 channels. In addition, EA was found to activate both TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels with remarkable potency, efficacy and selectivity.

You will have a degree, or an equivalent qualification, in Biochemistry or Pharmacology or a closely related discipline. You will also have significant practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, mammalian cell culture and pharmacology, gained in either academia or industry.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Robin S. Bon, Lecturer in Cardiovascular Chemistry

email: r.bon@leeds.ac.uk

Further information

The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a range of family friendly policies (http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/4/policies). The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Silver award. The School of Medicine gained the Silver award in 2016.  We are committed to being an inclusive medical school that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees.