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.

• Focus on Development:

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

• 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

• Health promotion:

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

• Family-conscious corporate culture:

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

• A feel-good working environment:

  Our Bonn employees enjoy a campus surrounded by greenery, with on-site parking and public transport connections as well our company restaurant

• 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

For further information, please contact Dr. Natalie Beschorner (natalie.beschorner@dzne.de).