PhD candidate / Predoctoral Researcher

Organisation/Company

Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences

Department

Human Resources Management

Research Field

Neurosciences » Neurophysiology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

27 Sep 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Vienna)

Country

Austria

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Part-time

Hours Per Week

30

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2026

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

PhD candidate / Predoctoral Researcher
Neuroscience / Synaptic Physiology
Department OF Physiology, Faculty of Medicine
Group Leader: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gerald Obermair
Employment level: 30 hours/week (according to FWF-regulations for PhD candidates)

Karl Landsteiner University (Austria) invites applications for a PhD Candidate / Predoctoral Researcher in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine. The position is embedded in an internationally oriented research environment at the Krems Campus and within the University Hospital Network of St. Pölten, Krems, and Tulln.

The successful candidate will join a research group investigating synaptic function and calcium channel signaling in health and disease. Our research combines neuronal cell culture models, molecular and biochemical approaches, fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology, and in vivo models to address fundamental questions in neuronal and synaptic physiology and pathophysiology.

The position provides an excellent opportunity to pursue a PhD project in a collaborative research environment and to gain experience in a broad range of state-of-the-art experimental approaches.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RESEARCH PROJECT

α2δ proteins are abundantly expressed in the brain. They serve as auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels and are important regulators of synaptic functions, including synapse formation, synapse differentiation, and trans-synaptic signaling. Mutations in genes encoding α2δ proteins are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia.

This PhD project will investigate the role of α2δ proteins in neuronal differentiation and synapse formation and will combine established neuronal cell culture models with novel phenotyping approaches.

In collaboration with project partners, automated high-content microscopy and AI/deep-learning-supported image analysis will be used to quantitatively assess neuronal morphology and maturation. Parameters will include dendrite length and branching, axon growth, synapse density, and neuronal network formation.

The PhD thesis work will be supervised by Prof. Obermair and will be conducted within the PhD program Mental Health and Neuroscience (https://www.kl.ac.at/en/study-continuing-education/phd-program-mental-health-and-neuroscience ).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct a PhD research project in the field of synaptic physiology and neuroscience, with a particular focus on synaptic function and calcium channels in health and disease
• Analyze in vitro neuronal cell culture models, particularly neuronal and synaptic functions, using molecular biology, immunocytochemistry, electrophysiology, and live-cell imaging
• Apply and further develop methods for high-resolution and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy
• Analyze in vivo models, particularly using slice electrophysiology, protein biochemistry, and behavioral analyses
• Contribute to ongoing research projects and collaborations within the research group
• Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences

PROFILE

• Completed Diploma or Master’s degree in the life sciences or a closely related field
• Experience and expertise in neuronal cell culture models, fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology, and/or synaptic function
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology and immunohistochemical methods, as well as bioinformatics and statistics
• Strong motivation to pursue scientific research in neuroscience and synaptic physiology
• Interest in collaborative research and in supervising students
• Independent and reliable working style, strong team skills, and an open, collegial, and professional manner

WE OFFER

A challenging and diverse PhD position within a highly motivated research team at a young and dynamic university. The successful candidate will work in a stimulating and internationally oriented scientific environment and will have the opportunity to develop a broad methodological profile in cellular and systems neuroscience.We offer flexible working hours, occupational health services, and a range of additional employee benefits.

The position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of an extension for an additional year.

Karl Landsteiner University is committed to equal opportunity and diversity and explicitly encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Applications from international candidates are very welcome.

The minimum gross salary for employment at 30 hours/week is €2,832.10 per month, paid in 14 installments per year (annual gross salary: €39,649).

APPLICATION
We look forward to receiving your application.
Please apply online at the Karl Landsteiner University career portal, quoting reference number “2632”, by 27 September 2026:

https://www.kl.ac.at/en/university/career-kl

Website

https://www.kl.ac.at/en/university/career-kl

Research Field

Neurosciences » Neurophysiology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Neurosciences » Neurophysiology

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Karl Landsteiner University

Country

Austria

State/Province

Lower Austria

City

Krems an der Donau

Postal Code

3500

Street

Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 33

Geofield

State/Province

Niederösterreich

City

Krems an der Donau

Website

https://www.kl.ac.at

Street

Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30

Postal Code

3500

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