PhD Student (f/m/x) Translational Neuroscience

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The Department of Translational Neuroscience at DZNE in Munich is offering 1 PhD position. Starting date is January 1st 2027.

• Active participation in experimental work, experimental design, data generation, data analyses, and interpretation of results
• Prepare and write manuscripts for publication in international scientific journals
• Oral presentation of results on local, national, and international conferences
• Experimental work includes immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, molecular biology and especiallyin vivo research methods (imaging, behaviour, etc.)

Successful candidates may have the opportunity to obtain their doctoral degree by applying to the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences. 

• A keen interest in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases
• Experience in the work with live animals (mice), surgical procedures
• Experience with in vivo two-photon imaging microscopes is a must
• Experience with in vivo miniscope imaging, fiber photometry, or opto- and chemogenetics is a plus
• A master’s degree in biology or neuroscience (or a master’s degree in a related field)
• Fluency in English

Your role in cutting edge research

We are seeking for a 1 PhD to elucidate early pathogenetic mechanisms in neurodegenerative disease, with the aim to better identify patients at risk and improve therapeutic and preventive strategies. To this end we perform preclinical neuroscience research in mice using transgenic disease models in combination with custom-built models of cell-type specific pathology upon which we seek to translate our findings into human patients^1–5 . We offer projects ranging from the interaction of cortical cell-types and glia to subcortical modulatory systems, such as the Locus Coeruleus, over to hypothalamic control of CNS and peripheral metabolism and behaviour. The group is embedded in DZNE at the Center for Stroke and Dementia on the LMU research campus in Großhadern in close proximity to LMU clinics. We offer cutting-edge systems neuroscience techniques including ultra-fast in vivo two photon imaging in awake mice over the time course of several month, miniature-endomicroscopy in freely behaving animals, fiber photometry, opto- and chemogenetics, patch-clamp electrophysiology, near super resolution microscopy and 3D reconstruction of high- resolution optical images. We maintain a friendly and respectful environment of PhD-students and Postdocs envision themselves as a bigger team.

If you are interested in our research and group, we invite you to review the following publications for further insight into our work.

• Niedermeier, T., et al. (2025). Neuron subtypes have distinct mitochondrial transport in axons and vulnerability to tau in vivo. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7628051/v1
• Meyer, C., et al. (2025). Early Locus Coeruleus noradrenergic axon loss drives olfactory dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. Nature Communications, 16, 7338.
• Blumenstock, S., et al. (2021). Cortical circuit dysfunction in a mouse model of alpha-synucleinopathy in vivo. Brain Communications. https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcab273
• Marinković, P., et al. (2019). In vivo imaging reveals reduced activity of neuronal circuits in a mouse tauopathy model. Brain, 142, 1051–1062.
• Shi, Y., et al. (2022). Long-term diazepam treatment enhances microglial spine engulfment and impairs cognitive performance via the mitochondrial 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO). Nature Neuroscience, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-022-01013-9

• Innovation and internationality:

  A forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations

• Family-conscious corporate culture:

  Because we know that familie is important, we support you with our family service

• Focus on Development:

  Training programmes tailored to your individual needs and annual HR-development meetings for concrete prospects and potential development

• Health promotion:

  Through our extensive range of company health programmes, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund

• Remuneration and conditions according to TVöD-Bund:

  Including annual special payment, capital-forming benefits and VBL supplementary pension scheme

• Work-life balance:

  We reconcile work and private life with flexible working hours, 30 days' holiday (On top free on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) and subsidised job/ Germany ticket options

If you have questions please contact Dr. Lars Paeger.