Job ID: 121878

ERC-funded Postdoctoral Position in Molecular / Cellular Neuroscience

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 15 May 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 June 2025

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Hamburg

Country: Germany

Institution: Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)

Department: the Institute for Synaptic Neuroscience

Description:

The Research Group Synaptic Proteostasis is looking for a post-doctoral fellow to join the ERC-funded project LEXSYN (DOI 10.3030/101161748) to conduct research on neuronal protein homeostasis regulation. Neurons are highly complex cells with dendrites and axons extending several hundred microns from the soma. This complexity comes together with high synaptic activity that requires timely and precise mechanisms controlling synaptic protein content. We are interested in understanding how neurons have adapted to cope with this complexity to ensure proper synaptic function. Grochowska et al., 2022). Recently, we discovered a novel mechanism of protein homeostasis, dendritic, exocytic lysosomes that release cargo to the extracellular space. This process is driven by synaptic activity and also influences synaptic structure (Grochowska et al., 2023). In the project in vivo imaging of murine somatosensory cortex will be combined with work on the primary, organotypic hippocampal cultures to understand physiological regulation of dendritic lysosomal exocytosis. We are seeking ambitious, highly motivated, and talented scientists eager to address fundamental questions concerning lysosomal protein homeostasis with the use of cutting-edge in vivo 2-photon microscopy.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will hold a Ph.D. in a relevant area and have a documented track record of accomplishment as well as previous experience in in vivo 2-photon imaging. The knowledge of murine brain surgeries and cranial windows implantation is a big plus. The applicant should have excellent written and spoken English (knowledge of German language is not required), as well as a strong intrinsic drive to pursue a scientific career, and openness to work in a diverse research environment. Women and persons from diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

Research Environment

The Research Group Synaptic Proteostasis is part of the Institute for Synaptic Neuroscience at the Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), one of Europe’s leading university hospitals. The research environment of ZMNH is focused around diverse neuroscience topics with employees from all over the world.

Application

If you are interested or would like to learn more, please submit a complete application – a personal statement describing your scientific accomplishments, research interests, and the motivation to apply for this position, a CV with a publication list, and contact information to three referees. The documents should be sent by email to katarzyna.grochowska@zmnh.uni-hamburg.de as one single PDF file. Applications will be considered upon submission. The position is available from 01.06.2025 and is based on the civil service contracts (TVöD) for four years with a possibility of extension. We reserve the right not to consider incomplete applications and applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.