Ph.D. Student or Postdoctoral Position in Systems Neuroscience

Organisation/Company Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) Department Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology Research Field Neurosciences » Neurophysiology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 1 Jul 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Aug 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The laboratory of Prof. Alexey Ponomarenko at the Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, part of the Faculty of Medicine at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), is seeking an early-career researcher — either a doctoral student or postdoctoral fellow — with a strong interest in neural dynamics, including network oscillations, neuronal circuits, and behavior.

Our international interdisciplinary group investigates neural dynamics and coding that organize the activity of neural circuits underpinning instinctive (innate) behaviors – such as feeding and social behaviors – and their cognitive control. Using in vivo electrophysiology, opto-, chemogenetics, and machine learning approaches we have previously shown that various types of network oscillations organize neuronal signaling from the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and the lateral septum to and within the hypothalamus, and crucially contribute to the regulation of locomotion (Bender, Gorbati et al., 2015), food seeking (Carus-Cadavieco, Gorbati et al., 2017) and intake (Altafi et al., 2024), and behavioral transitions (Chen, Altafi et al., 2024). The current project will focus on novel aspects of the regulation of innate behaviors, primarily using state-of-the-art electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic manipulations of neurons in the hypothalamus of behaving mice. The goal is to uncover the neural dynamics underlying these vitally important behaviors, potentially contributing to the development of therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders associated with their dysregulation.

The position is funded according to public service standards in Germany: 65% TV-L E13 for a doctoral student, 100% TV-L E13 for a postdoc.

What We Offer:

• Training in high-density electrophysiology by those who first applied it in behaving mice. Access to advanced training courses, workshops, and career development programs offered by the FAU Graduate School of Life Sciences.
• Direct supervision and mentoring by the PI, ranging from hands-on guidance to regular feedback during independent troubleshooting and research.
• Potential international collaborations: many of our previous projects involved teaming up with leading neuroscience groups.
• State-of-the-art facilities: The lab features an excellent surgical facility, optogenetic setups, a workshop, and multiple multichannel recording systems, with imaging facilities available at the institute.
• Work-life balance: We value a long-term perspective, balancing research and personal life over years and decades – a sustainable approach to a fulfilling academic career. Our institute is located in the city center with direct access to a historic park, offering a relaxing environment just a few minutes’ walk from the train station connecting Erlangen with the Nuremberg metropolitan area.

Please include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Transcript of grades
• References

to

Prof. Alexey Ponomarenko

Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology

You hold a Master’s or Ph.D. (or equivalent) in neuroscience or a related field and are genuinely curious about neuronal dynamics and behavior. Prior experience with in vivo brain activity recording and behavioral methods is highly beneficial for a doctoral student and essential for a postdoctoral fellow. You are strongly motivated to develop skills in signal processing and data analysis, including learning a programming language.

Specific Requirements

You bring a constructive, problem-solving mindset to the project, are prepared for sustained and focused work, and value open, effective communication with your team and supervisor. You recognize the equal importance of complementary expertise in modern neuroscience and are ready to provide ongoing support to team members and external collaborators in navigating your data. You are also open to contributing to the teaching of neurophysiology for medical students as part of the group’s academic responsibilities.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Neurosciences » NeurophysiologyNeurosciences » NeurobiologyBiological sciences » Biology Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

• Regular promotion to the next level and increase in salary pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for the public service of the German Länder (TV-L) or remuneration pursuant to the Bavarian Public Servants Remuneration Act (BayBesG) plus an additional annual bonus
• 30 days annual leave at five working days per week with additional free days on December 24 and 31
• Occupational pension scheme and asset accumulation savings scheme

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain open , if not filled, until September 1, 2025.

Additional comments

FAU is a modern, cosmopolitan and family-friendly employer. We welcome your application irrespective of your age, gender, cultural and social background, religion, ideological beliefs, disability or sexual identity. Applicants with a disability or who are considered to be equivalent to people with a disability will be given preference provided their aptitude, performance and capability are essentially the same. We are happy to offer part-time positions, provided a job-sharing arrangement means that the tasks in the area are fully covered.

If you wish, you may invite a person responsible for ensuring equal rights to accompany you to the job interview without incurring any disadvantages.

With regard to the personal data collected during the application process, please refer to our information pursuant to Art. 13 and 14 of the General Data Protection Regulations at www.fau.de.  ;