PhD Student (f/m/x) in cellular neuroscience

We are looking to support our rapidly growing team as soon as possible:

PhD Student (f/m/x) in cellular neuroscience

Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology

TV-L: 25 h/week (64,94%)

Limited for 3 years according to WissZeitVG (Third-party funded project)

Your tasks

• Conduct research in mouse models to investigate how inhibition of endocytosis in Purkinje cells affects information processing in the thalamo-cortical network
• Perform experiments in cerebellar organotypic slice cultures using GCaMP6-based calcium imaging and chemogenetics
• Perform stereotactic surgeries and use chemogenetics to manipulate brain motor circuits
• Conduct biochemical assays, such as pull-down experiments and proteomic analyses
• Maintain accurate lab records and clearly present findings in meetings

Your profile

• Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, or Biochemistry (with very good to excellent grades)
• Experience with techniques such as rodent models of neurodegeneration, primary cell culture, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, image analysis, and biochemical assays
• Strong motivation to advance research in neurodegenerative diseases
• Proficiency in English
• Excellent organizational skills, a proactive attitude, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn

Our offer

• Everything but ordinary: You can expect a secure job in a challenging, innovative environment – including company pension schemes and regular working hours without business trips.
• Work-life balance: Whether full-time or part-time, with or without children – with numerous support options, we will find the right path together.
• Team spirit in R(h)ine culture: You will be warmly welcomed by an interdisciplinary team that values mutual respect and helpfulness.
• Strong perspectives: We offer extensive training opportunities – so you can continuously grow and set new goals.

Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That\’s why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

The University of Cologne is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate the role of endocytosis in Purkinje cells and the impact of its deletion on brain-wide motor circuits (see Tolve et al., 2024, 10.1101/2024.01.27.577372). This project is part of CRC1451 and involves advanced mouse models, rabies tracing, chemogenetics, multi-omics, and super-resolution microscopy, offering an excellent opportunity to engage in cutting-edge neurobiology research.

Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification.

Contact

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Natalia Kononenko
Tel: +4922147884302
Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR
Geschäftsbereich Personal
Kerpener Str. 62
50937 Köln

Application deadline: 27.04.2025

Job-ID: ose6gxyi

We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!

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