Job ID: 121475

PhD position in cellular Neuroscience

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 20 December 2024

City: Cologne

Country: Germany

Institution: University of Cologne

Department:

Description:

The laboratory of Prof. Natalia Kononenko at the University of Cologne (Faculty of Medicine & CECAD Research Center) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the role of endocytosis in cerebellar Purkinje cells, with a particular focus on the cerebellar-thalamo-cortical loop. This project will utilize advanced mouse models (e.g. for rabies-virus-based monosynaptic tracing), organotypic cerebellar slice cultures, in vivo calcium imaging and chemogenetics, providing an excellent opportunity to engage in cutting-edge neuroscience research.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conducting research in mouse models to investigate the role of endocytosis in Purkinje cells and the effects of its dysfunction on the cerebellar-thalamo-cortical circuit.
  • Perform laboratory experiments including brain stereotactic injections in mice, organotypic cerebellar slice cultures, electron microscopy and live imaging studies such as GCaMP imaging in cerebellar networks after chemogenetic interference.
  • Run cell biology and biochemical assays.
  • Maintain accurate lab records and present findings clearly in meetings.

Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Cell Biology and/or Biochemistry (with excellent to very good grades)
  • Experience in techniques such as rodent neurodegeneration models, primary cell culture, in vivo surgery, immunohistochemistry, microscopy and image analysis, and biochemical assays.
  • Motivation to advance neurodegenerative disease research.
  • Proficiency in English
  • Excellent organizational skills; proactive, enthusiastic, and willing to learn.

Our profile:

Cologne offers a vibrant, international academic setting with interdisciplinary interactions among top-tier institutions like CECAD, Max Planck Institutes for Aging, Metabolic Research, and University Hospital of Cologne. CECAD is a leading aging research hub, and the Kononenko lab’s affiliation provides access to an exceptional scientific network. Further information is available on the internet at: https://www.cecad.uni-koeln.de/research/principal-investigators/full-members/natalia-kononenko

Start Date and location:

Jan/Feb 2025 at Cologne.

Application process:

Please submit a single PDF with the following:

  1. Motivation letter.
  2. CV with contact details of 2-3 references.
  3. A short (300-word) summary of a recent publication from Prof. Kononenko’s lab with a research outlook and proposal of future research on the topic.

Send applications to Prof. Dr. Natalia Kononenko at n.kononenko@uni-koeln.de by 20.12.2024.

For more information, visit: https://www.cecad.uni-koeln.de/research/principal-investigators/full-members/natalia-kononenko