New

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Sensory Neuroscience & Ion Channel Physiology

Society for Neuroscience
United States, California, Los Angeles
Nov 07, 2025
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Sensory Neuroscience & Ion Channel Physiology Employer University of Southern California Location Los Angeles, California Salary NIH payscale Closing date Jan 5, 2026 View more categories View less categories Sector Graduate School or University Job Function Postdoctoral Researcher Research Area Neural Excitability, Synapses, & Glia, Sensory Systems Position Type Full Time Level Any Experience Level Considered Job Details Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Sensory Neuroscience & Ion Channel Physiology Liman Lab, Department of Biological Sciences & Neuroscience Program University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA The Liman Lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our team studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of sensory transduction, with a focus on proton-selective ion channels (OTOPs) and their roles in cellular physiology in the taste and other systems. OTOP1, first described for its role in the vestibular system, was only recently reported by us to form a proton channel and sour taste receptor (Tu et al, Science, 2018; Teng et al, Curr Biol, 2019). The Liman lab has also identified elements of gating, described new contributions of OTOP1 to ammonium salt taste, and in collaboration published the structure of OTOP1 and identified small molecule inhibitors. This is just the beginning and there is still much to be learned! Research Focus Projects will involve dissecting ion channel function and contribution to physiology using a combination of patch-clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology, imaging, and in vivo models. Depending on interests and background, the fellow may lead work on:Structure-function analysis of OTOP family members and mechanisms of proton conduction and channel gating Contribution of OTOP channels to taste and other physiological processes using transgenic mouse models Discovery of modulators or inhibitors of proton channels Preferred Background PhD in Neuroscience, Physiology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related field Strong foundation in electrophysiology (whole-cell, excised patch, or similar) or advanced molecular biology/transgenic mouse design and testing Evidence of productivity (first-author publications, preprints) What We Offer A supportive and data-driven research environment with opportunity to interact with the larger USC community Competitive NIH-scale salary with generous benefits and mentoring tailored toward academic or industry career paths A park-like campus located near the heart of Los Angeles, and within close proximity to beautiful beaches and snow-capped mountains Start Date The position is grant funded. It is open now and will remain until filled. How to Apply Email a single PDF to Liman@usc.edu with: Cover letter stating research interests and career goals CV with publications Names and contact information for 2-3 references Subject line: Postdoc Application - [Your Name] *If you are at SFN 2025, please reach out to me!* USC and the Liman Lab are committed to diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.