Job ID: 122874
PhD position in behavioral neuroscience
Position: Ph.D. Student
Deadline: 12 June 2025
Employment Start Date: 1 July 2025
Contract Length: 3 years
City: Mainz
Country: Germany
Institution: University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Department: Institute of Pathophysiology
Description:
The working group for Behavioral Neurophysiology at the Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany, invites applications for a PhD position!
The main research interests of the lab revolve around the neural mechanisms underlying perceptual decision-making, with a particular focus on sensory and prefrontal cortices. We use methods ranging from behavioral experiments (psychophysics and reward-based learning) to in vivo multi-electrode recordings, pharmacology, and optogenetic manipulation. Please see our recent publications (doi.org/10.1152/jn.00736.2019, doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhac141, and ) for examples and bit.ly/2rV4y1D for the lab’s homepage.
We seek an individual with a background in biology, psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science or related fields to conduct fiber photometry recordings in cortical and subcortical brain areas in freely moving rats performing a perceptual decision-making task. Experience with rodent behavioral experiments, neurophysiological methods, and basic programming skills are desirable. Most importantly, you should have a keen interest in neuroscience and the willingness to learn the tricks of the trade.
A friendly working atmosphere is very important to us. The people in our institute organize social events on a regular basis (movie nights, dinners, regulars’ table…) and we are looking for someone who likes to contribute to such events. The lab itself is part of the vibrant neuroscience community within the Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (ftn.uni-mainz.de) and the Rhein-Main-Neuroscience network (rmn2.de). Adequate supervision and skills training for doctoral students is ensured through a high-quality educational program (TransMed). The position entails teaching duties (2.6 SWS) in human physiology; accordingly, a very good German language skills are required.
The position is available immediately and applications will be considered until the position is filled. Applications should include a cover letter with a brief statement of interest, a short curriculum vitae with the names of two referees, and transcripts. For applications or informal inquiries please contact Prof. Dr. Maik Stüttgen (maik.stuettgen@uni-mainz.de).