PhD Position in Neuroscience (effects of virtual realities on neural activities) at the University of Freiburg, Germany
Job Description:
The Optophysiology Group at IMBIT, University of Freiburg, is seeking a motivated PhD student to join our research team. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and central funds of the University of Freiburg, this project will develop and evaluate a new miniature microscope for investigating differences in neural activities in mice between virtual reality settings and experiences in real environments. The project will investigate whether animals can transfer learned information between the two settings and whether excessive exposure to virtual environments alter neural activity compared to exposure to real environments.
Your role will involve:
- Behavioral experiments with mice using virtual reality and real environment tasks
- 2-photon-imaging of neuronal activities
- Holographic optogenetic modulation of targeted neurons (see Ammer et al., 2024)
- Support of the design of a new 2-photon miniscope
- Evaluation of the newly developed 2-photon miniscope
- Analysis of the acquired data
This is a 65% TV-L position funded for three years, with the possibility of extension.
If you are:
- Curious, enthusiastic, and enjoy collaborative work
- Motivated to tackle challenging experimental projects,
- Interested in Calcium imaging of neuronal activities and optogenetics or have experience in these areas,
- Fascinated by neuronal communication and brain connectivity,
- Keen to explore the mechanisms of systemic behavior through innovative experiments,
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 (Calcium imaging, optogenetics, rodent behavior) is a plus,
- Strong enthusiasm for understanding neuronal mechanisms,
- Willingness to learn and master new techniques,
- Skills in data analysis and programming (Python/MatLab) or willingness to acquire them.
Why Join Us?
You will join the Optophysiology Lab, led by Ilka Diester, within the state-of-the-art IMBIT research building. We are a dynamic, international team specializing in cognitive motor control and cutting-edge techniques, including optogenetics, multielectrode recordings, and imaging. The project is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration with Prof. Caglar Ataman, who is an expert in endoscopy and microsystem technology, and Prof. Marlene Bartos, who is an expert in Calcium imaging in rodents. This collaboration will immerse your work in a scientific network while offering interactions with a peer group of early career researchers working in related topics.
We will offer conference opportunities, career development support, and direct supervision by the PI.
Living in Freiburg
The University of Freiburg is one of Germany’s top research institutions. Freiburg, nestled in the Black Forest and near the Rhine Valley, offers a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, excellent public transport, and numerous recreational opportunities like hiking, climbing, and skiing.
How to Apply
Please submit your application (CV, cover letter, and references) to ilka.diester@biologie.uni-freiburg.de by March 31, 2025.
We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups in science.
Join us at IMBIT and advance your research career in a supportive and innovative environment!
Reference
- You will find more information about the group and its activities here: www.optophysiology.uni-freiburg.de/
- The details of the VR and holography stimulation setup can be found here: Ammer, J., Crompe, B. D. L., Stroukov, E., Steenbergen, F., & Diester, I. (2024). Mapping functional neuronal ensembles in premotor cortex during complex, goal-directed behaviour. Science Communications World Wide. doi:10.57736/2d5a-e5c8