Job ID: 119937

PhD position on Thyroid Hormone and Hippocampal Neurogenesis

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 31 October 2024

Employment Start Date: 1 January 2025

Contract Length: 36 months

City: Essen

Country: Germany

Institution: University Duisburg Essen - University Hospital Essen

Department: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism; Group Neuroendocrinology

Description:

Thyroid hormones are essential for the proper development of the brain as well as the maintenance of adult brain functions such as learning, memory and emotional control. Consequently, reduced thyroid hormone levels in adulthood result in learning disabilities and anxiety. One of the key processes that is impaired by thyroid hormone deficiency and that is at the same time critical for memory function is the adult hippocampal neurogenic programme. How precisely thyroid hormones regulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis remains widely elusive. What are the functions of thyroid hormone directly within the neurogenic lineage? Does thyroid hormone influence that process by altering the communication with stem cell niche cells?

For a new project in our lab (P.I. Steffen Mayerl) that aims to unravel lineage-autonomous and niche cell-specific functions of thyroid hormones on the adult hippocampal neurogenic programme we are looking for a Ph.D. student keen to work at the interface of endocrinology and neurobiology. You will analyse and compare global and cell-specific, inducible thyroid hormone transporter deficient mice and thyroid hormone receptor mutant mice using a wide array of imaging, gene expression, neuro-behavioural and omics studies. Furthermore, you will present your results in local meetings as well as national and international conferences.

Requirements:

We are looking for a candidate with a Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Life Science, or a related area, with an interest in neurobiology and endocrinology. Previous experience with animal handling and animal experiments is of advantage. You should be a highly motivated team player with good communication skills in English.

The position is paid according to the public service pay scale (TVL-13, 65%). Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualification.

Contact information:

Please send your application (including your CV, your degree certificates, a short statement of your research interests, and two reference letters) as a pdf file to steffen.mayerl@uk-essen.de