Postdoctoral researcher

The School VI of Medicine and Health Sciences comprises the fields of human medicine, medical physics and acoustics, neurosciences, psychology and health services research. Together with the four regional hospitals, School VI forms the University Medicine Oldenburg. Furthermore, the university cooperates closely with the University Medicine of the University of Groningen.

The Division of Neurogenetics/Prof. Dr. Hans Gerd Nothwang at the Department of Neuroscience is seeking to fill the position of a 

Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d)
(TVL E13, 100%, DFG funded for 25 months)

The position is immediately available, but a later starting date can be negotiated. The position is suitable for part-time work. 

The mammalian brainstem harbours an enormous diversity of neuronal circuits that process multiple modalities of sensory information and the control of vital functions that maintain homeostasis. The extent of this diversity and how it contributes to individual functional circuits is largely unknown.

In this DFG funded project we seek to uncover the molecular diversity of neurons emerging from defined brainstem progenitor domains. The selected domains simultaneously generate essential neurons serving in the processing of auditory signals and in the control of respiration.

We seek a highly motivated candidate with

• an academic university degree (Master or Diploma) in biology or related fields
• a high-quality PhD
• several years of experience in electrophysiological techniques, master at least patch clamp electrophysiology in several (labelled and non labelled) neurons and non-neuronal cells of several brain regions and in different configurations. Such experience should be well documented in the thesis of the applicant.
• Experience with different stimulation techniques (electrical, optical, chemogenic) as well as conventional field recordings in order to relate his/her/their findings to the modification of auditory and respiratory circuitry.
• Fluent English including the ability to successfully write manuscripts, grant application and to participate in institutional and group meetings.
• The applicant should be willing to extend his/her/their skills in molecular techniques, such as scRNA-seq and other next generation sequencing techniques.
• Beyond to be versed at using common electrophysiological analysis tools (fitmaster, AxographX, origin), basic knowledge in R, simulation environments (such as neuron) and some AI experience would be a great plus.

We offer 

• an attractive work environment with excellent facilities (microscopy, cell sorting, animal facility)
• Payment according to collective bargaining agreement (annual special payment, company pension scheme, wealth-building benefits) including 30 days of annual leave
• Support and guidance during the onboarding phase
• Company health promotion benefits
• Extensive free further education program as well as dedicated support for young scientists (https://uol.de/en/school6/early-career)

The University of Oldenburg aims to increase the proportion of women in the academic field. Therefore, women are strongly encouraged to apply. According to § 21 para. 3 NHG, female applicants should be given preferential consideration if their qualifications are equivalent. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.