PhD student position (f/m/d) Chemogenetics of neural circuits in primates

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.

In close collaboration with the Institute for Biology at Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, the Heisenberg-group Sensory Physiology of Prof. Dr. Kristine Krug seeks a highly motivated candidate for a

Chemogenetics of neural circuits in primates

for a 3-year fixed-term period (in accordance with the availability of funds and individual requirements) with a salary of TV-L E13 (65%). The position is available earliest at 1st July 2024, flexible for the right candidate.

About the project:

Understanding the neural basis of adaptive cognition is a central topic in systems neuroscience. Adaptive cognition is highly developed in primates, including humans, and it underlies many everyday behaviours that enable us to successfully navigate in a complex world. This process involves the integration of sensory inputs, learning, memory, and decision-making, all of which rely on the intricate interplay of multiple, interconnected brain areas. This projects in Prof. Krug’s lab uses cutting-edge chemogenetic approaches to investigate the role of pathways between the Pulvinar Nuclei and Neocortex in adaptive processing in vision. The post is funded through a Leibniz Collaborative Excellence Award “Chemogenetic dissection of primate brain circuits underlying adaptive cognition” in close collaboration with the German Primate Centre (DPZ) in Göttingen.

Within a multi-disciplinary team and with the collaboration partners, the candidate will develop pathway-specific chemogenetic interventions to probe our ability to generate fast and accurate representations of our three-dimensional (3D) environment. They will dissect the contribution of the pulvinar as these representations are dynamically updated and adapted when we and others move through space or just move our eyes.

Your profile:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Neuroscience, Biology, Veterinary or Human Medicine or related field
• Excellent academic track record
• Hands-on experience in some of the following areas is welcome:
• familiarity with statistics and programming experience in MATLAB or Python are important
• experience or strong interest in primate neurophysiology, chemo- or optogenetics are essential
• experience in animal research is highly desirable
• excellent communication skills in English (German language skills are welcome but not essential)
• confidence and motivation to develop new experimental techniques and to shape research project in close collaboration with our partners

We offer:

• An interesting and vibrant field of activity in an international working environment characterized by exciting research projects and cutting-edge facilities combined with excellent experience and technological competence, providing the candidate with an outstanding opportunity for technological skill extension, broadening of scientific knowledge and career development by contributing experimentally to the project and resulting publications
• Employment, salary and social benefits according the collective pay agreement (German TV-L)
• Equal opportunities and the compatibility of career and family as part of our personnel policy

Inquiries about the research project and the open position should be directed to Prof. Kristine Krug: kristine.krug(at)ovgu.de .

We welcome all applications - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, and sexual orientation and identity.

Please send a single PDF file comprising (1) a letter describing your lab experiences and techniques you have and explaining why you are a good fit to the project, (2) a CV including a list of publications, (3) relevant certificates of academic degrees and (4) names of two references, stating the reference LIN 2024/04 to [email protected] . Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

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 .

By submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal data for the purpose of the application process. Our detailed privacy policy for applicants (m/w/d) acc. Art. 13 DSGVO on data processing in the application process will be sent on request. Documents will be deleted after 6 months. Your attention is drawn to the fact that no application or interview expenses can be paid.