Neuberger Lab

Head of lab

Prof. Arthur Neuberger, PhD

Research

The ability to perceive temperature is crucial for experiencing pain and plays a fundamental role in our sensory world. Certain members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily act as direct thermo-sensors and pain receptors, opening prospects as targets for addiction-free pain therapy. The molecular mechanisms through which thermoTRPs detect temperature changes remain unknown. Our group aims to decipher the mechanisms of TRP-invoked nociception, pain, and thermal sensation.

Recruitment

The International Doctorate Program "Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of temperature and pain sensing by transient receptor potential channels", funded by the Elite Network of Bavaria, invites prospective doctoral students to apply. The doctoral candidate will develop innovative methods in membrane protein biochemistry and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) as a structural biology tool to decipher the enigmatic molecular mechanisms of TRP channel-invoked sensing of pain and temperature.

Cryo-EM has evolved as a powerful tool to gain near-atomic resolution insights into the molecular architecture of membrane proteins such as TRP channels. Under the right biochemical/biophysical conditions, cryo-EM can resolve multiple states of the protein thus fostering our understanding of the molecular mechanism of medicines or environmental stimuli such as temperature on these channels.

This international doctorate program distinguishes itself from other doctorate programs by its aim to push the current boundaries of cryo-EM rather than ‘simply’ applying existing methodologies to answer an interesting and highly challenging biological question that revolves at the very center of the human sensory world.

"The doctoral candidate will be trained to succeed in scientifically demanding future career paths, in both academia and industry. Naturally, a person able to shed light on the molecular mechanism of how these fascinating channels ‘feel’ temperature is set to leave lasting scientific footsteps" (Arthur Neuberger, Ph.D.)

The lab is actively recruiting PhD students. Prospective candidates should send a brief cover letter, a CV as well as names and email addresses of two referees to neuberger@lmu.de.