Neuropeptidergic Co-transmission & Neural Circuit Function in Caenorhabditis elegans

Goethe University; Frankfurt; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prestigious research university in Frankfurt is seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to investigate neuropeptidergic co-transmission mechanisms. The ideal candidate should hold a recent Ph.D. and have a strong background in C. elegans neurobiology, molecular biology, and live-cell imaging. This three-year position offers a collaborative environment and state-of-the-art facilities, aimed at advancing understanding of neurobiological principles.

Leistungen

Supportive research environment

Salary level E13, 100%

State-of-the-art microscopy facilities

Challenging project with publication potential

Mentorship for career development

Qualifikationen

• Recent Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Genetics, or a related field is essential.
• Strong background in neurobiology and behavior of C. elegans.
• Proven track record of productivity in research.

Aufgaben

• Investigate neuropeptidergic co-transmission mechanisms.
• Dissect the role of specific neuropeptides in behavior.
• Map neural circuits modulated by neuropeptides.

Kenntnisse

C. elegans neurobiology and behavior

Molecular biology and genetics (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, cloning)

Live-cell imaging and quantitative microscopy

Ausbildung

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Genetics, or a related field

Jobbeschreibung

Neuropeptidergic Co-transmission & Neural Circuit Function in Caenorhabditis elegans

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 30 November 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 January 2026

Contract Length: 3 years

City: Frankfurt

Country: Germany

Institution: Goethe University

Description:

A postdoctoral position is available in the Gottschalk Lab at Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany, in collaboration with Dr. Aoki, Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), Beijing, to investigate the intricate mechanisms of neuropeptidergic co-transmission, dense-core vesicle (DCV) heterogeneity, and multisensory integration. The project employs the nematode C. elegans as a powerful model system for uncovering fundamental neurobiological principles: How can a single neuron use co-transmitted neuropeptides to encode and regulate complex behaviors? Our recent findings point towards a model where specific neuropeptides are sorted into distinct DCV subpopulations, allowing for independent regulation and release (Aoki et al., 2024, Nat. Commun. 15: 9504; doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-53899-7 ). You will dissect this mechanism and its role in behavior by focusing on two key neuropeptides, FLP-1 and NLP-10, in the context of locomotion control, with these key objectives: 1) Elucidating how NLP-10 and FLP-1 are sorted into distinct DCV populations, 2) Visualizing neuropeptide release, 3) Deciphering molecular mechanisms by which autocrine FLP-1 signaling through the DMSR-7 receptor suppresses NLP-10 release, 4) Mapping behavior-specific neural circuits differentially modulated by NLP-10 and FLP-1, and 5) Understanding multisensory integration of two conflicting sensory inputs, to enable appropriate behavioral decisions.

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent candidate with a recent Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Genetics, or a related field. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in the following areas:

• C. elegans neurobiology and behavior.
• Molecular biology and genetics (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, cloning).
• Live-cell imaging and quantitative microscopy.

Candidates with a proven track record of productivity and a passion for fundamental neurobiological discovery are strongly encouraged to apply.

We Offer:

• A, three-year position in a supportive and collaborative research environment.
• Salary level is E13, 100%.
• State-of-the-art facilities for microscopy, molecular biology, and behavioral analysis.
• A challenging and innovative project with high potential for high-impact publications.
• Mentorship focused on career development.

Please submit a single PDF containing: A cover letter describing your research interests, past experience, and motivation for applying; your CV, including a list of publications; names and contact information for three references. Applications should be addressed to [e-mail] and [e-mail] no later than Nov. 30 th , 2025.

Address: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Alexander Gottschalk Molecular Cell Biology and Neurobiochemistry Goethe-University Frankfurt Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (Room 1.652) Max-von-Laue-Str. 15D-60438 Frankfurt Germany