Job ID: 123111

Postdoc in super-resolution STED microscopy of the brain extracellular space

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 27 June 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 July 2025

Contract Length: 18 months

City: Leioa

Country: Spain

Institution: Instituto Biofisika (CSIC-UPV)

Department: Tonnesen lab

Description:

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our lab, inititally for 1.5 years, though we are happy to co-apply for funding to extend this.

The project addresses structure and functional aspects of the brain extracellular space, including how it can modulate local metabolite clearance and diffusion. We study this primarily in organotypic mouse brain slices, and one aspect of this project is optimizing protocols for culturing organotypic slices in custom hydrogels.

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate with a PhD degree, or equivalent, and potentially postdoctoral experience in bio-photonics, advanced optical microscopy, biophysics, computational diffusion modeling, or other relevant areas. The work involves daily usage of an advanced custom-built STED microscope and experience with, or interest in, such equipment is a plus. The candidate should have scientific curiosity, patience and stamina, be capable of independent thinking, and have the motivation to take charge of and advance the project. We ideally want someone who will contribute to an enthusiastic, productive and fun work environment, including training and mentoring of junior lab members. Within our group we openly share all data, ideas and technical knowledge. We encourage anyone who, more or less, meet these criteria to apply.

We offer 1.5 years postdoctoral contract with possible extension, the duration will depend on starting date. Our research group resides in new facilities at the Instituto Biofisika in Bilbao (Spain). Note that the startnig date is flexible, though we prefer it to be as soon as possible.

About us: In the Tonnesen lab we are a young and dynamic lab on an upward trajectory, and we embrace diversity, inclusivity and positive encouragement. Our techniques include advanced STED microscopy, confocal and 2-photon microscopy, patch-clamp electrophysiology, and common biochemical techniques. We preimarily work in mouse brain slices.