Job ID: 85501
Ph.D. Candidate in Synaptic Aging
Position: Ph.D. Student
Deadline: 10 August 2022
Employment Start Date: 1 September 2022
Contract Length: 3 years
City: Magdeburg
Country: Germany
Institution: German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)
Department: Molecular Neuroplasticity
Description:
The DFG – funded research training program RTG 2413 SynAGE (www.synage.de) seeks a highly motivated PhD student/doctoral student (f/m/x) to join a team of researchers from the Research Group “Molecular Neuroplasticity” at DZNE in Magdeburg (www.dzne.de/en/). The training program is focused on synaptic aging in health and disease. The position is available initially for a 3-year fixed-term period with a salary of E13 (65%) starting in September 2022.
The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a world-leading internationally oriented research center, committed to discovering new approaches to prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases. To this end, researchers at ten DZNE sites across Germany pursue a translational and interdisciplinary strategy comprising five interconnected areas: fundamental research, clinical research, health care research, population health science, and systems medicine. www.dzne.de
The project
The thesis project will address the interplay between the extracellular matrix, mechanosensitive channels, and intracellular signaling pathways during synaptic plasticity. We will try to understand how changes in mechanosensation underlie cognitive decline in aging and develop new treatments to improve cognition. The Research Group “Molecular Neuroplasticity” offers a broad range of techniques to address these questions (https://www.dzne.de/dityatev; for an example of a recent publication, please see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32855309/).
Your profile
- Prior experience in standard in vitro neuro-electrophysiology applied to brain slices and cell cultures is a prerequisite for the assessment. This includes any of the following techniques: microelectrode arrays, extracellular field potential and patch-clamp recordings.
- Knowledge in fluorescence and confocal microscopy, imaging-based assays (such as calcium imaging) and behavioral testing is highly desirable.
- Master’s degree in neuroscience/neurotechnology, biology or relevant scientific/technical discipline with a keen interest in electrophysiology and imaging.
- Enthusiastic, creative team player, fluent in English with a solid commitment to research.
We offer
- working in an interdisciplinary environment and an international team with a strong focus on the biology of extracellular matrix in the brain
- opportunity to learn cutting-edge neuroscience and neurotechniques in a competitive and instructive environment.
- excellent infrastructure, including modern workspaces and very well-equipped labs.
- employment, payment, and social benefits are consistent with those at other research institutes
- dynamic and multicultural environment with intensive mentoring and support through RTG SynAGE and the CBBS graduate program of the Magdeburg neuroscience community
Equal opportunities as well as compatibility of family and work are part of our HR policy. Severely disabled applicants with equivalent occupational aptitude will be considered preferentially. Please submit your application as soon as possible including a detailed CV, a copy of academic transcripts, names of two referees and brief statements of motivation and research interest via e-mail to: alexander.dityatev@dzne.de. Applications will be considered immediately until the positions are filled.