PhD Position in Neuroscience (in vivo imaging techniques in freely moving mice) at the University of Freiburg, Germany
Job Description:
The Optophysiology Group at the IMBIT, University of Freiburg, is seeking a motivated PhD student to join our research team. Our project, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), aims to advance the understanding of movement disorders, epilepsy, motor planning, reward expectation, attention, and action selection. Specifically, we investigate inhibitory control of the motor system by the thalamic reticular nucleus.
This PhD position focuses on in vivo imaging techniques (miniscope) in freely behaving mice. You will collaborate closely with another PhD student working on in vitro electrophysiology and two-photon calcium imaging.
If you are:
- Curious, enthusiastic, and enjoy collaborative work
- Motivated to tackle challenging experimental projects,
- Interested in learning in vivo imaging techniques, especially in combination with optogenetic manipulation, or have experience in these areas,
- Fascinated by neuronal communication and functional connections within the brain,
- Keen on conducting behavioral experiments,
- Eager to explore cellular mechanisms determining systemic behavior,
then we invite you to join our team! It is an exciting opportunity to learn a large variety of skills and to collaborate with researchers from many different disciplines.
Your Profile:
- Experience with in vivo techniques (miniscope calcium imaging, optogenetics, studying rodent behavior) is ideal,
- Enthusiastic about physiological and pathophysiological neuronal mechanisms,
- Eager to learn and master new skills and techniques,
- Proficient in data analysis and comfortable with (or willing to learn) custom scripting (e.g., Python/Matlab).
- You are self-motivated, have good communication skills (both oral and written), and the ability to work independently as well as in a team.
Who we are:
You will be part of the Optophysiology Lab, led by Ilka Diester. Our dynamic, international research lab is located in the brand new IMBIT research building, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Our core research area is cognitive motor control, employing cutting-edge techniques such as optogenetics, multielectrode recordings, and 1- and 2-photon imaging in trained rodents.
The University of Freiburg is one of Germany’s top research universities, hosting two current and two former excellence clusters. Freiburg, reputedly Germany’s sunniest city, is nestled in the Black Forest and upper Rhine valley, near France (Alsace) and Switzerland (Basel). It is well-connected by public transport, is a multicultural hub with a high student population, and offers numerous cultural and recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, and skiing.
Interested applicants should send
a brief description of research interests, technical skill set, and curriculum vitae, including contact information for three references to
Prof. Dr. Ilka Diester
ilka.diester@biologie.uni-freiburg.de