Job ID: 121636

Postdoctoral position in synaptic and circuit neuroscience

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 31 January 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 May 2025

Contract Length: 2 years

City: Cologne

Country: Germany

Institution: University of Cologne, Medical Faculty

Department: Institute for Systems Physiology

Description:

A fully funded Postdoctoral fellow position is available in the research group led by Dr. Silvana Valtcheva, initially limited to two years with the possibility of extension.

Our lab investigates the neural circuits and plasticity mechanisms shaping sensory perception and hormonal release in the postpartum brain. We are specifically interested in the neural processing of cues from the newborn which gate maternal behavior. We use multiple state-of-the-art approaches in mice including in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology, calcium imaging, behavior tracking, viral tracing, opto-/chemogenetics, molecular and pharmacology tools, and newly-developed neurotransmitter sensors.

Your profile

Candidates should have a strong expertise and proven track record in in vivo or slice electrophysiology, or in vivo calcium imaging. Complementary data analysis skills including Matlab/Python programming will be valuable. Expertise in stereotaxic surgery and behavior tracking would be helpful. English proficiency is mandatory. Candidates should hold a PhD in Neuroscience or relative disciplines. Strong communication skills, highly collaborative and creative spirit, and ability to work in a diverse and dynamic academic environment are expected.

Applications from candidates from underrepresented groups (including persons with disabilities) are expressly welcome and will be given priority in case of equal suitability, competence and professional performance.

Our offer

The University of Cologne is one of the largest and most research-intensive universities in Germany, offering a wide range of subjects. With its six faculties and interfaculty centers, it offers a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines and internationally outstanding profile areas.

The employment contract is based on contracts for the civil service (TVöD Bund, Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst). The position is available for an initial two-year appointment with the possibility of extension.

A varied job in a highly interesting and challenging research topic
A fair working environment with appreciative cooperation
Possibility to develop side projects according to personal interests
Internal and external training opportunities
Flexible working time models to support family life
Occupational health management offers
Local transport ticket at a discount for UoC employees

Your application

Interested applicants should send one pdf-document including (1) a CV with full publication list, (2) a personal statement (1 page max) describing previous work and accomplishments together with research interests, and (3) contact information for 3 referees to silvana.valtcheva@uk-koeln.de.

For more information on our research, visit www.valtchevalab.com.