425/2024 Research Associates (PhD Student) (m/f/d) in Neuroscience

The Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Medical Faculty seeks to fill the following two vacancies at the Institute of Biology: # Research Associates (PhD Student) (m/f/d) in Neuroscience Salary scale: **13 TV-L** Date commencing: next possible date Fixed term (until): **31.12.2028** Contract status: **65 %** We are looking for two highly motivated individuals with a strong background in neuroscience and a master's degree or equivalent in neuroscience or closely related disciplines. The two positions are associated with the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1436 “Neural resources of Cognition”. Initial funding for each position runs until the end of 2028. The research project will investigate the role of the mammillary body for memory formation in health and in Alzheimer’s disease. For this, we will mainly use single-photon calcium imaging and optogenetics in freely moving mice as well as two-photon calcium imaging in head-fixed animals during complex memory tasks. One student will be supervised by Dr. Anne Petzold at the Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, focusing on disease aspects and single-photon calcium imaging in freely moving animals; one student will be supervised by Dr. Oliver Barnstedt ([www.barnstedtlab.com](https://www.barnstedtlab.com/)) at the Institute of Biology, focusing on memory engrams and two-photon calcium imaging. Both students will work in close collaboration with associated labs at the European Neuroscience Institute in Göttingen and will have the opportunity for further collaboration within the SFB1436. The ideal candidate is experienced in rodent stereotactic surgeries and/or behavioural experiments. Experience with *in vivo* physiology, programming and data analysis are beneficial. We expect a strong motivation to learn new techniques and to plan, conduct and analyse experiments. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment with an international and inclusive team. English proficiency is mandatory. ## Requirements profile: - You hold a Master’s degree in neuroscience or a related field - You have experience with stereotactic surgeries or behavioural tasks in rodents - Experience with the analysis of large-scale neurophysiological data is beneficial - You are ready to learn, teach, and enjoy research in an international team - Excellent English language skills (C1 level) ## Your benefits: - You have the opportunity to pursue a PhD and are supported and promoted accordingly - You will have the opportunity to learn cutting-edge in vivo circuit neuroscience techniques to answer fundamental questions of memory processing in a supportive environment - Our Research Funding and Graduate Academy support services help you with your personal development - As an internationally oriented university with about one-third international students, we offer a diverse working environment - You work in a young and dynamic international team with low hierarchies and strong mutual support For further information about the position, please contact either Dr. Anne Petzold at a.petzold(at)eni-g.de or Dr. Oliver Barnstedt at oliver.barnstedt(at)ovgu.de. You will benefit from our structures and offerings in the fields of sustainability, diversity, family support and staff development. Our location in the center of a thriving, lively and family-friendly state capital guarantees a high quality of life and a wide range of leisure activities. For more information, please visit [www.ovgu.de/en/karriere](http://www.ovgu.de/en/karriere). Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is a signatory of the German Diversity Charter. We welcome your application, regardless of gender, cultural and social background, age or sexual orientation. Applications from severely disabled people or people with an equivalent impairment will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional expertise. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg strongly promotes gender equality in all professional areas. Please note the information for storage of personal data: [https://www.ovgu.de/en/data_protection.html](https://www.ovgu.de/en%20/data_protection.html). Please send your complete application (motivation letter, curriculum vitae, graduation certificates, references) by December 20, 2024 using the online application portal.