Job ID: 113061

Cellular and Circuit Mechanisms of ALS

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 4 March 2024

Employment Start Date: 1 September 2023

Contract Length: 3 years

City: Cologne

Country: Germany

Institution: University hospital Cologne

Department: Dept. of Neurology

Description:

The Position:

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate passionate about science to complement our group at the University hospital of Cologne (for info see www.klinikum.uni-muenchen.de/Institut-fuer-Klinische-Neuroimmunologie/en/forschung/ag_liebscher).

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating motor neuron disease, causing the death of affected patients within only 3-5 years on average. We still to date lack effective disease-modifying strategies for the vast majority of patients despite a large number of identified molecular targets. In our work we strive to think outside the box and test the hypothesis that seemingly unaffected elements of neural circuits do in fact play a pivotal role in the degeneration of motor neurons. Using cutting edge two-photon imaging in awake, behaving mice combined with (chemo)genetic or pharmacological manipulations and machine learning based behavioural studies and immunohistological assessments, we strive to elucidate cellular and circuit mechanisms driving neurodegenerative processes. To understand how molecular changes are linked to structural and functional alterations of single neurons and how these in turn affect neural circuits, we will chronically record and genetically manipulate large populations of neurons and glia cells in behaving animals. Our previous investigations have already unraveled unexpected novel key players in the disease, which warrant further investigations. Come join our multidisciplinary, international and diverse team and contribute to an improved understanding of ALS pathophysiology.

We offer excellent working conditions at the Neurology department of the University Hospital in Cologne with a dynamic and highly collaborative environment within not only our lab, but moreover with our clinical unit, the many renowned research groups within Cologne–Bonn area and international collaborators. A competitive salary will be paid according to the German TV-L guidelines. Starting date is flexible but will preferentially be by August 2023, latest April 2024. Funding is secured for 3 years with possible extension.

Applicants:

Ideal candidates have prior experience in in vivo optical imaging or electrophysiology and good programming skills e.g. in Matlab/Python. Applicants should hold a university degree preferentially in neuroscience, physics, engineering or related fields. Proficiency in English and a team-oriented working attitude are indispensable.

How to apply:

Please send your application to sabine.liebscher@uk-koeln.de.  The application should comprise a cover letter, CV, certificates and contact details of 2 references.