Job ID: 122592
The role of excitatory structural synaptic plasticity in hippocampal representational drift
Position: Ph.D. Student
Deadline: 28 April 2025
Employment Start Date: 1 May 2025
Contract Length: 36 months
City: Magdeburg
Country: Germany
Institution: Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology
Department:
Description:
The Hippocampal Plasticity and Memory group of Dr. Alessio Attardo at the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (Magdeburg, Germany) offers a position as:
Ph.D student (f/m/d) “The role of excitatory structural synaptic plasticity in hippocampal representational drift”
for a 3-year fixed-term period (in accordance with the availability of funds and individual requirements) in full time with a salary of 65% TV-L E13, with the possibility of extension. The position is available immediately, but starting time is flexible.
About the project. The focus of the project is to investigate the link between the dynamics of structural plasticity and the probability of neurons to become active during spatial navigation, in mice. To this aim, the candidate will investigate longitudinally the evolution of patterns of excitatory connectivity – by tracking dendritic spines – and patterns od neuronal activity in the dorsal CA1 of live mice performing navigation tasks by using head-fixed two-photon imaging in combination with cellular labelling techniques.
Successful applicants:
- Already hold or will complete in the nearest future a master’s degree in a biomedical, biophysical or engineering field or a related field;
- Are curious highly motivated and self-driven, able to work independently, have a collegial attitude, have a solid background in neurobiology;
- Previous experience with optical imaging of neuronal activity and mouse stereotactic surgery is advantageous but is not required;
- Are fluent in English.
Key responsibilities:
- Perform stereotactic surgeries in live mice.
- Perform experiments in live mice using two-photon microscopy.
- Maintain accurate lab records and present at internal and external meetings.
We offer:
- An interesting and vibrant field of activity in an international working environment characterized by exciting research projects;
- Campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure and access to cutting edge technologies;
- Employment, remuneration and social benefits according to the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L);
- Equal opportunities and the compatibility of career and family as part of our personnel policy;
- Flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home.
Magdeburg as one of the centers of neuroscientific research in Germany and it hosts intensive exchange between the various institutions carrying neuroscience research: the DZNE, the Otto-von-Guericke University and the LIN itself.
To apply.
Send a single PDF file comprising:
- Motivation letter describing your lab experiences, explaining why you are a good to fit the project and discussing briefly one past publication of the Attardo lab.
- CV including a list of publications.
In addition, arrange for two reference letters stating the reference number LIN 2025/06 to be sent separately to bewerbung@lin-magdeburg.de.
Review of the applications will start on 28th April 2025 until the position is filled. Please note that incomplete applications or applications whose references will not have arrived in time will not be considered. Any question can be addressed to alessio.attardo@lin-magdeburg.de.
The Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN) is an internationally recognized neuroscientific research institute and dedicated to the research on learning and memory. Our research comprises all organizational levels of the brain – from molecular and cellular processes to complex neuronal networks and behavior. The LIN is a foundation under public law and committed to a comprehensive policy of Equal Opportunities in employment and research. We welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, and sexual orientation and identity.
If you have an international degree, please also enclose a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you would have to apply for one upon successful application. For more information, please visit https://www.kmk.org/zab/zeugnisbewertung.html.