Job ID: 116933

PhD student (m/f/d) – Institute of Physiology

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 20 November 2024

Employment Start Date: 1 January 2023

Contract Length: The position is to be filled from 01.01.2024, part-time for a limited period until 31.12.2024 (with an option for extension).

City: Magdeburg

Country: Germany

Institution: Institute of Physiology

Department: Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Institute of Physiology

Description:

The Institute of Physiology of the Medical Faculty at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg offers a position for a PhD candidate (m/f/d) with strong interest in neuroscience research and experience in electrophysiological techniques (acute brain slices or cultured neurons). The focus of the work will be on the analysis of spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) in synaptic circuits of the central nervous system in wild-type mice and mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. Our laboratory combines electrophysiological techniques, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, and behavioural tests to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of activity-dependent plasticity in circuits of the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and amygdala (cf. Cepeda-Prado et al., Cereb. Cortex 2022; Ma et al., Cereb. Cortex 2022; Garad et al., 2021; Groessl et al. Nature Neuroscience, 2018). The effects of neuromodulatory transmitters and the growth factor BDNF on synaptic plasticity processes are central to our research. The PhD project is funded by the Collaborative Research Center 1436 “Neural resources of cognition”. As a research-focused Medical Faculty with an internationally visible Neuroscience Campus (CBBS), we offer a scientifically stimulating environment and a multidisciplinary workspace that enables both the design and implementation of state-of-the-art neurophysiological experiments.

Your tasks:

  • Acquiring expertise in Neuroscience, specifically in cellular neurophysiology.
  • To perform electrophysiological (patch clamp and extracellular field potential recordings) research on synaptic plasticity (LTP, LTD, STDP) in acute or cultured mouse brain slices. In combined electrophysiological and live-cell imaging experiments the effects of endogenously released BDNF on information storage in neuronal circuits of the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus will be investigated.
  • Using optogenetic stimulation techniques in brain slices.
  • You will be coached and supported by our team of experienced PIs at the Institute of Physiology. The aim is to publish your research in internationally visible top research journals.
  • Participation in cooperative projects with other working groups in the Institute of Physiology and as part of our collaborations with partners of the Magdeburg Neuroscience Campus (CBBS) is desired.

Requirements for the position

  • Master in Neuroscience, Biology, or a closely related subject.
  • General enthusiasm for Neuroscience and a keen interest to discover mechanisms of synaptic plasticity contributing to memory formation in vivo.
  • Practical experience in electrophysiological recordings (patch clamp and/or extracellular field potential recordings) and the corresponding data analysis is required.
  • Solid knowledge of neuro- and cell physiology, especially in the field of synaptic plasticity (LTP,LTD, STDP) is expected.
  • Basic knowledge in fluorescence microscopy techniques (e.g. cellular Ca2+ imaging) would be advantageous.
  • Hands-on experience in the areas of confocal/multiphoton microscopy and optogenetics would be helpful.
  • Self-motivated and independent working attitude and ability to work in a team are essential.
  • Very good knowledge of English and basics in German, both written and spoken.

Your Chance:

The international Magdeburg Neuroscience campus (CBBS) is an exciting platform to connect with neuroscience experts in research topics ranging from molecular aspects of synaptic plasticity, over learning and memory studies in mice, to fMRI imaging in humans performing memory tasks. The DFG-funded CRC 1436 “Neural resources of cognition” and other collaborative CBBS projects provide numerous seminar series and practical courses to support your scientific education and your organizing skills.

Compensation: The salary group E13 (65%) according to “Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst” awaits you.

Occupation:     The position is to be filled from 01.01.2024, part-time for a limited period until 31.12.2024 (with an option for extension).

For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Volkmar Leßmann (Email: volkmar.lessmann@med.ovgu.de.)

Please send your complete application (one coherent PDF file only) until 20.11.2023 (date of receipt).

By E-Mail:         directly to: volkmar.lessmann@med.ovgu.de

By Post:

Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg
Medizinische Fakultät
Institut für Physiologie
Prof. Dr. Volkmar Leßmann
Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany