Job ID: 104535

Postdoctoral Scientist (m/f/d) in Neural circuits underlying mouse socio-sexual behaviour

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 31 March 2023

Employment Start Date: 1 August 2023

City: Magdeburg

Country: Germany

Institution: Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg

Department: Institute of Biology

Description:

The focus of the research group ‘Neural circuits of socio-sexual behaviours’ leaded by Constanze Lenschow (Professor in Biology of neural circuits at the OVGU Magdeburg) is to unravel major neural integration hubs that process multisensory cues during socio-sexual behaviours, match them with the individual’s body states and thereafter orchestrate a complex, well-adapted motor output that shape socio-sexual interactions. To tackle these questions, we take a multidisciplinary approach by combining various state-of-the-art tools: molecular based strategies with high specificity (virus combined with transgenic mice) and high temporal resolution (optogenetics, imaging and electrophysiology in vivo) are employed in freely moving socio-sexually interacting mice.  

 

We seek a postdoctoral scientist to conduct electrophysiological and optical recordings in line with optogenetic stimulation in freely moving socially and sexually interacting mice to investigate the neural coding of hormonal homeostatic states and socio-sexual behavioural output.

 

Tasks:

  • investigating the neural basis of hormonal homeostatic states and socio-sexual behavior using electrophysiological (in vitro and in vivo) and optical recordings in combination with causal interventions, including optogenetic stimulation
  • collaborating within a multi-disciplinary team and taking responsibility for research progress and research reporting, presenting at scientific meetings etc.
  • contributing to the development of methodology, the conduct of animal experiments in the laboratory and the fostering of international collaborations
  • a contribution to teaching advanced Neuroscience students (mentoring will be provided)

 

Requirements:

  • master/diploma and a PhD in neuroscience, medicine, or another natural science
  • experience on in vivo experimentation in mammals
  • experience in programming, e.g. with MATLAB or Python, and in statistical methods
  • excellent language skills in English (German language skills are welcome but not essential)
  • confidence and motivation to develop data analysis techniques and drive the project forward

 

This is a fixed term post, initially for three years, but can be potentially extended for a further two years. If you have questions about the advertised position, please contact Constanze Lenschow (constanze.lenschow@ovgu.de or 0391 67 55000). For further information about the research group, www.lenschow-lab.org.

What to expect:

 

The ‘Neural circuits of socio-sexual behaviors’ group has been opened at the Institute of Biology in September 2022. We aim at mapping the functional and anatomical circuit architecture underlying socio-sexual behaviors in close adaptation to homeostatic internal state processing. The group leader has previously established a unique entire-system approach to how behaviour arises – specifically reproductive behaviour (Lenschow et al. 2022 biorxiv, Lenschow & Lima 2020 Curr Opin Neurobiology) and social touch behaviour (Lenschow & Brecht 2015 Neuron & 2018 Cerebral Cortex, Lenschow et al. 2016 Current Biology & 2017 PlosBiology).

We are a young, interdisciplinary and highly motivated group sharing the spirit of performing collaborative and fun science with good and inclusive practices leading to an atmosphere during which every lab member should be enabled to fulfill their professional goals and lay out their path.

At the institute of biology, we work enthusiastically towards a better understanding of basic brain function by comprising multiple departments with various neuroscientific topics ranging from cognitive neuroscience over genetic and molecular neuroscience to sensory physiology.

 

The Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, with its associated institutes, has an internationally renowned scientific profile in Neuroscience. Magdeburg is a vibrant and multidisciplinary scientific environment offering a broad range of opportunities for cutting-edge neuroscience research and state-of-the-art facilities for research with rodents.

In addition to all the usual social benefits of the public sector, we have more to offer, such as the possibility of flexible working hours. Modern working conditions, a wide range of training and development opportunities, and a positive work environment that is highly valued by our employees distinguish us as an employer. We also offer a wide range of sports and leisure activities, extensive catering in our canteens and cafeterias as well as workplace health promotion.

Applications from disabled persons will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional expertise. The Otto von Guericke University aims to increase the proportion of women researchers within the university and specifically encourages women to apply.

Please note the information for storage of personal data: https://www.uni-magdeburg.de/Datenschutz_Bewerber.html

Please send your complete application (cover letter, statement of research experience, curriculum vitae, names of two referees) by 31 March 2023 (date of receipt of application) using the online application portal: https://ovgu.b-ite.careers/bq4fu