Job ID: 123509
PhD student in Neuroscience
Position: Ph.D. Student
Deadline: 31 July 2025
Employment Start Date: 1 December 2025
Contract Length: 3 years
City: Vienna
Country: Austria
Institution: Medical University of Vienna, Center for Brain Research
Department: Neuronal Cell Biology
Description:
The Melzer Lab at the Center for Brain Research (Medical University of Vienna) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student who is curious to learn about the neuronal mechanisms of neuropeptide signaling in the context of fear, anxiety, learning and memory. We use cutting-edge techniques to visualize and dissect neuronal processes in the brain of mice in combination with diverse behavioral testing paradigms. The position is funded by an ongoing WWTF grant. You will be enrolled in our PhD Neuroscience Program to gain a deep understanding of the nervous system and become familiar with a wide range of research techniques.
Main techniques and tasks:
Rodent intracranial surgeries, in vitro imaging and/or electrophysiology, behavioral training of mice, in vivo photometric imaging, neuronal circuit tracing, histology, analysis using MATLAB, presenting research data in publications, lab meetings and at (international) conferences
REQUIREMENTS
- MSc in Neuroscience, Biology, or related disciplines OR a 4 years Bachelor’s degree in a related field from a university where a Bachelor’s degree would normally qualify you to enter a PhD program (e.g. USA and others).
- Experience with data analysis, basic lab techniques, animal handling
- Experience in rodent surgery and behavioral testing is an advantage
- Experience with electrophysiological or optical recording techniques is an advantage
- Very good ability to write and read in English
- FELASA certificate or equivalent is an advantage
WHAT WE OFFER
Paid PhD position (30hrs/week) for 3 years. The start date is flexible, preferably December 2025/January 2026. The starting annual gross salary will be ~EUR 39,000. MedUni Vienna provides excellent employee benefits including full insurance coverage (health, accident, retirement).
THE LAB
The lab is led by Prof. Dr. Sarah Melzer, a new group leader who brings extensive postdoctoral research experience from Harvard Medical School and additional international research experience from Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and UK. We are striving to build an international, dynamic and collaborative research team and welcome scientists from all over the world. More information can be found here.
APPLICATION
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as the position will be closed as it is filled. Please write a letter in which you describe your abilities, research interests and motivation, accompanied by your curriculum vitae, a list of grades of your MSc, and the names, relations and contact details of 2-3 scientific referees. Please compile everything into one pdf.
Applications and inquiries should be sent to sarah.melzer@meduniwien.ac.at.