PhD position (f/m/d) in behavioral neuroscience – Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology

Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg; Magdeburg; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A renowned university in Germany is seeking a Ph.D. candidate for a research project in behavioral neuroscience focusing on cognitive flexibility and uncertainty in mice. The successful candidate should have a Master's degree, experience in behavioral neuroscience, and fluency in English. This position offers an opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary, international team, aimed at understanding the neuropharmacological factors influencing cognition and emotions. Applications are welcomed by February 28, 2026.

Qualifikationen

• Strong interest in neuropsychiatric disorders and vulnerability to resilience.
• Solid practical background in neurobiology.
• Experience with steps to assess brain activity or connectivity.

Aufgaben

• Join a research project on cognitive flexibility and uncertainty in mice.
• Work within a multidisciplinary and international team.
• Conduct research on the neuropharmacological basis of cognition.

Kenntnisse

Fluency in English

Experience in behavioral neuroscience

Ability to work in an international research environment

Willingness to learn script-based configuration

Ausbildung

Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Stereotaxic surgery experience

Laboratory animal science certificate

Jobbeschreibung

PhD position (f/m/d) in behavioral neuroscience – Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 28 February 2026

Employment Start Date: 1 July 2026

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Magdeburg

Country: Germany

Institution: Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg

Department: Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Description:

Third-party funding

The Faculty of Medicine is an integral part of the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg and cooperates with the Magdeburg University Hospital A.ö.R. in research, teaching and patient care. The latest findings in medical research and state-of-the-art equipment are used in diagnostic procedures and patient care. The main research foci of the faculty are “Immunology” including “Molecular Medicine of Inflammation” and “Neurosciences”.

The Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany, is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate (f/m/d) to join a research project investigating the interplay between cognitive flexibility and uncertainty in laboratory mice. The project is led by the PIs Daniela Dieterich, Markus Fendt, and Thomas Nickl-Jockschat and is part of the Halle–Jena–Magdeburg site of the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), within the Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive Brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C). For further information about the project and C-I-R-C, please contact Markus Fendt E-Mail schreiben or visit https://c-i-r-c.de

The successful candidate should have a strong interest in the neural basis of neuropsychiatric disorders and the factors affecting susceptibility and resilience, as well as a solid practical background in neurobiology. Experience in behavioral neuroscience — such as animal paradigms of emotion, executive functions, operant conditioning, and/or methods to assess brain activity or connectivity — is desirable and preferably documented by publications. In addition, a willingness to learn script-based configuration of experimental protocols and analysis of experimental data is expected. Experience in stereotaxic surgery and/or a certificate in laboratory animal science (Function A or FELASA B) is an advantage. Fluency in English and the ability to work in an international research environment are required.

We offer working in a multidisciplinary and international team, with a research focus on the neuropharmacological basis of cognition and emotions. Our institute is located on the university hospital campus with several world-leading research centers and institutes, including the SFB 1436 and the Center of Behavioral Brain Research (CBBS).

The position (TVL E13 65%) will become available in July 2026 and needs to be filled as soon as possible. The position is limited until August 2030.

To apply for this position, please send a single PDF file with a cover letter describing your past research activities, research interest, and motivation to join our team, CV and publication list, and the name/contact information of two references.

We look forward to receiving your application by 28.02.2026 (application deadline). Apply now by email ([e-mail]; reference number 140-2026) or via our application portal: https://onlinebewerbungsserver.de/ApplyForm/AppStart.aspx?c=_5B_5B_2E5_9Ak_154_A9_AE_B0_84_A1X_E0_09_9D_D8_E3_FF_8A_FA_CD_89_C0Mf_2C_0B_A5_DE_F7X_7C_8B_3B_7F_21_22_AD_ACf_F3_D8_E20_D4_FC

Name: University Hospital Campus, Institute for Pharmacology

Address: Otto von Guericke University MagdeburgFaculty of Medicine(Personnel Division - Recruiting; Reference number: 140-2026)Leipziger Str. 44D-39120 MagdeburgGERMANY

Location

Magdeburg, Brenneckestr., 39120 Magdeburg, Germany