Job ID: 114407

Ph.D. student for preclinical studies in cellular human models of dementia

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 10 September 2023

Employment Start Date: 1 October 2023

Contract Length: 3 years

City: Magdeburg

Country: Germany

Institution: German Center for Neurodegenerative DIseases (DZNE)

Department: Molecular Neuroplasticity

Description:

Ph.D. student  (f/m/x) to join the Research Group “Molecular Neuroplasticity” at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Magdeburg. The research is focused on the characterization of a new highly efficient treatment with synthetic polysialic acid fragments (polySia) to rescue synaptic functions in cellular human models of dementia by targeting extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. The post is available with a salary of TVÖD Bund E13, 65% starting in October/November 2023.

DZNE is a world-leading internationally-oriented research center, committed to discovering new approaches to prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases. To this end, researchers at ten DZNE sites across Germany (www.dzne.de) pursue a translational and interdisciplinary strategy comprising five interconnected areas: fundamental research, clinical research, health care research, population health science, and systems medicine.

The project

You will differentiate human fibroblasts or iPSCs into neural cells and use electrophysiology, two-photon calcium imaging, immunocytochemistry in 2D cultures and immunohistochemistry in cortical organoids to evaluate the effects of polySia on cell vitality, synaptic activity and plasticity. The Research Group “Molecular Neuroplasticity” offers a broad range of techniques and expertise (https://www.dzne.de/dityatev).

For examples of our recent studies, please see:

Varbanov et al., Neurobiology of Disease 2023 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918046/)

Jahreis et al., Alzheimer’s & Dementia 2023 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37218673/)

Suzuki et al., Science 2020 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32855309/).

 

Your profile

  • M.Sc.
  • Well-documented experience in the differentiation of human fibroblasts/iPSC/NPCs into neural cells.
  • Experience in patch-clamp or multielectrode array recordings is desirable.
  • Experience in two-photon imaging or optogenetics is desirable.
  • Enthusiastic, reliable team player, with a solid commitment to research and deep knowledge of developmental cell biology.

We offer

  • working in an interdisciplinary environment and an international team
  • opportunity to perform cutting-edge neuroscience and contribute to developing new treatments for dementia patients
  • excellent infrastructure, including modern workspaces and very well-equipped labs.
  • employment, payment, and social benefits are consistent with those at other leading research institutes’
  • dynamic and multicultural environment for neural circuits and cognitive research in the frame of SFB 1436 (sfb1436.de), RTG 1413 (www.synage.de) and CBBS (www.cbbs.eu/en/).

Equal opportunities as well as compatibility of family and work are part of our HR policy. Severely disabled applicants with equivalent occupational aptitude will be considered preferentially. Please submit your application as soon as possible including a detailed CV with a list of publications, names of two referees and brief statements of motivation and research interests via e-mail to: alexander.dityatev@dzne.de. Applications will be considered immediately until the position is filled.