Job ID: 121771

PhD position in cellular neuroscience

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 31 January 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 March 2025

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Cologne

Country: Germany

Institution: University of Cologne

Department:

Description:

The laboratory of Prof. Natalia Kononenko at the University of Cologne (Medical Faculty & CECAD Excellence Cluster) is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate the role of the endocytosis in Purkinje cells and the impact of its deletion on brain-wide motor circuits (see Tolve et al., 2024, 10.1101/2024.01.27.577372). This project is part of CRC1451 (https://www.crc1451.uni-koeln.de/) and involves advanced mouse models, rabies tracing, chemogenetics, multi-omics, super-resolution microscopy, miniscope Ca2+ imaging, offering an excellent opportunity to engage in cutting-edge neurobiology research.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct research in mouse models to investigate how inhibition of endocytosis in Purkinje cells affects information processing in the thalamo-cortical network.
  • Perform experiments in cerebellar organotypic slice cultures using GCaMP6-based calcium imaging and chemogenetics.
  • Perform stereotactic surgeries and use chemogenetics to manipulate brain motor circuits.
  • Conduct biochemical assays, such as pull-down experiments and proteomic analyses.
  • Maintain accurate lab records and clearly present findings in meetings.

Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, or Biochemistry (with very good to excellent grades).
  • Experience with techniques such as rodent models of neurodegeneration, primary cell culture, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, image analysis, and biochemical assays.
  • Strong motivation to advance research in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Proficiency in English.
  • Excellent organizational skills, a proactive attitude, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

Our Profile:

Cologne offers a vibrant international academic environment, fostering interdisciplinary interactions with top-tier institutions such as CECAD, the Max Planck Institutes for Aging and Metabolic Research, and the University Hospital of Cologne. As a leading hub for aging research, CECAD provides an outstanding scientific network. The Kononenko lab is part of this network and offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise.

For more information, visit:
https://kononenko.cecad-labs.uni-koeln.de/home.

Start Date and Location:

February/March 2025, in Cologne, Germany.

Application Process:

Please submit a single PDF containing the following:

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

Send your application to Prof. Dr. Natalia Kononenko at n.kononenko@uni-koeln.de by 31.01.2025.

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