Job ID: 122035
PhD position in cellular neuroscience
Position: Ph.D. Student
Deadline: 15 March 2025
Employment Start Date: 1 May 2025
Contract Length: 36 months
City: Cologne
Country: Germany
Institution: University of Cologne
Department: CECAD Cluster of excellence & Center for Physiology
Description:
The laboratory of Prof. Natalia Kononenko at the University of Cologne (Medical Faculty & CECAD Excellence Cluster) is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate the role of the endocytosis in Purkinje cells and the impact of its deletion on brain-wide motor circuits (see Tolve et al., 2025, Cell Reports). This project is part of CRC1451 (https://www.crc1451.uni-koeln.de/) and involves advanced mouse models, rabies tracing, chemogenetics, multi-omics, super-resolution microscopy, miniscope Ca2+ imaging, offering an excellent opportunity to engage in cutting-edge neurobiology research.
Open PhD position in cellular neuroscience
Activities and responsibilities
- Conduct research in mouse models to investigate how inhibition of endocytosis in Purkinje cells affects information processing in the thalamo-cortical network.
- Perform experiments in cerebellar organotypic slice cultures using GCaMP6-based calcium imaging and chemogenetics.
- Perform stereotactic surgeries and use chemogenetics to manipulate brain motor circuits.
- Conduct biochemical assays, such as pull-down experiments and proteomic analyses.
Maintain accurate lab records and clearly present findings in meetings.
Qualification profile
- Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, or Biochemistry (with very good to excellent grades).
- Experience with techniques such as rodent models of neurodegeneration, primary cell culture, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, image analysis, and biochemical assays.
- Strong motivation to advance research in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Proficiency in English.
- Excellent organizational skills, a proactive attitude, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.
We offer
Start Date and Location: April/May 2025, in Cologne, Germany.
Application Process:Please submit a single PDF containing the following:
- A motivation letter.
- A CV with contact details for 2-3 references.
- A short (300-word) summary of a recent publication from Kononenko’s lab, including a research outlook and a proposal for future research on the topic.
- Send your application to Prof. Dr. Natalia Kononenko by 15.03.2025.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.cecad.uni-koeln.de/research/principal-investigators/full-members/natalia-kononenko