PhD Student (f/m/x) in Neurodegeneration

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The PhD project will be carried out within the Vascular Neurology Research Group under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Gabor Petzold. The successful candidate will be directly supervised by Dr. Natalie Beschorner, who leads the funded research project.

The project focuses on the glymphatic system, a brain-wide fluid transport network that facilitates the clearance of metabolic waste and neurotoxic proteins from the central nervous system. Growing evidence suggests that impaired glymphatic function contributes to the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate with a strong interest in neuroscience and neurodegeneration to join our team as soon as possible, starting no later than 1 November 2026.

As a PhD student, you will contribute to all stages of the research process, including:

• designing and implementing experimental studies
• performing in vivo experiments using mouse models
• analysing and interpreting complex datasets
• presenting research findings at national and international conferences
• preparing manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals
• collaborating within an interdisciplinary and international research environment

This position offers comprehensive training in experimental neuroscience, advanced imaging techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication while providing the opportunity to contribute to an internationally visible research project.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following qualifications:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, medicine, neuroscience, biology, or a related discipline
• A genuine interest in scientific research and a curious, solution-oriented mindset
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Experience with statistical analysis
• Experience with neurodegenerative mouse models and in vivo experimentation is desirable but not required
• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and attention to detail
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary and international team
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with a proactive and flexible approach to research

Your role in cutting edge research

The Vascular Neurology Research Group investigates glymphatic influx and efflux pathways during physiological ageing and neurodegenerative disease, with a particular focus on how genetic and environmental risk factors influence brain clearance and disease progression. Our research combines animal models, advanced in vivo imaging, molecular biology, and human tissue analyses to better understand mechanisms of brain ageing.

• Entwicklung im Fokus:

  Individuell auf Sie abgestimmte Fortbildungsangebote und jährliche Personalentwicklungsgespräche für konkrete Perspektiven und Potenzialentfaltung

• Innovation und Internationalität:

  Durch zukunftsweisende Infrastruktur, moderne Labor- und Büroausstattung, Softwaretools und die Chance zum internationalen Austausch mit Menschen aus 65 Nationen

• Gesundheitsförderung:

  Unser umfangreiches Angebot an betrieblichen Gesundheitsmaßnahmen, in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Sozialwerk.Bund

• Familienbewusste Unternehmenskultur:

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• Arbeitsumgebung zum Wohlfühlen:

  Unsere Bonner Mitarbeitenden erfreuen sich über einen Campus mitten im Grünen, mit Parkmöglichkeiten und ÖPNV-Anbindung vor Ort sowie einem attraktiven Kantinenangebot

• Work Life Balance:

  Wir bringen Beruf und Privatleben in Einklang mit flexiblen Arbeitszeiten, 30 Tagen Urlaub (zusätzlich frei an Heiligabend und Silvester) sowie bezuschussten Job-/Deutschlandticketoptionen