PhD position in memory research in rodents using in vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics at [...]

PhD position in memory research in rodents using in vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics at Manahan-Vaughan Lab Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 15 January 2026

Employment Start Date: 1 March 2026

Contract Length: 3 years including possibilty of extension for a further year

Country: Germany

Institution: Ruhr University Bochum

Description:

The Department of Neurophysiology at the Medical Faculty of the Ruhr University Bochum, hosts a vibrant and talented team of neuroscientists from a variety of scientific backgrounds that implement multidisciplinary approaches to understanding the mechanisms underlying memory. A PhD position is currently available for a candidate that has a strong interest in, and ideally, prior training in the area of in vivo electrophysiology in the rodent brain. The PhD project will focus on the physiological basis of extinction learning of spatial appetitive experience (https://sfb1280.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/home/). In vivo electrophysiological studies of synaptic plasticity (doi: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0229), and neuronal ensembles (doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhae202) will be coupled with optogenetic approaches (doi: 10.1073/pnas.2402356122). Experience with Matlab and/or signal analysis is advantageous. The position (E13/65%) will be initially funded for 3 years, with contract extensions possible. Admission to the International Graduate School of Neuroscience (www.rub.de/igsn ) will be expected.

Applications using the reference ANR 5215 (including motivation letter, CV, proof of degrees, publication list, grade transcripts, 2 referees) should be directed to Head of Department, Prof. Dr. Denise Manahan-Vaughan (LMR@rub.de).

Name: Prof. Dr. Denise Manahan-Vaughan

Address: Department of Neurophysiology,Medical FacultyRuhr University BochumUniversitaetsstrasse 150,MA 4/14944780 BochumGermany