http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science

PhD Positions: Munich, Germany

PhD Student positions in Neuroscience, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

We are:

The Institute for Stroke and Dementia (ISD), founded in 2009, is a part of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) (ranked as the top university in Germany according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings). The University has one of the largest and most competitive university hospitals in Germany and Europe. 45 specialized hospitals, departments and institutions harboring excellent research and education provide patient care at the highest medical level with approximately 10.000 employees.

ISD located in biomedical science campus, is a member of DFG-funded Cluster of Excellence “Synergy” with various institutions in Munich, which work on collaborative projects and share all resources, hence it is an excellent basic and translational research environment. ISD is also a part of Graduate School of Neuroscience in (GSN) Munich, which educates top-quality Ph.D. students from all over Europe and the world, hence will give you the opportunity to integrate into this program and work with highly qualified international coworkers. Our lab at the ISD has a state-of the art infrastructure including: brand new fully equipped lab and offices, a state-of-the-art animal facility that is fully equipped with surgery rooms a recently purchased in house 2-photon microscope (Zeiss 7P) and Lavision Biotec light-sheet microscope, behavioral test unit, a surgery room and a post-operative care unit, a new PALM Microbeam 4.0 laser micro-dissection microscope, and confocal & epifluorescence microscopes. Hence, we offer an interactive and inspiring atmosphere, ideal for our researchers to publish at top-tier journals and develop their career at best. We have a strong international scientific network and thus frequently host guest lecturers and maintain international collaborations. Located in the heart of Europe, Munich offers one of the highest quality-of-living in the world.

My group explores critical cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, in particular brain injury. We utilize various cutting-edge techniques to assess brain function and structure including in vivo 2-photon imaging, optogenetics, high resolution 3D imaging of the entire brain -that we recently developed (published as covers in Nature Medicine Erturk et al. 2012 and Nature Protocols Erturk et al. 2012), and rabies virus tracing of neuronal networks.

You are:

- curious about basic science and carry a great interest in exploring how the brain functions,
- always looking for solutions to turn great ideas and opportunities to actions,
- always willing to learn, and have the courage to ask questions when you don’t know,
- open to express your opinions and receive feedbacks / critics,
- a team player and willing to work in a collaborative environment to share ideas and experiences,
- willing to be part of a diverse team to make a dent in the universe.

The Position:

The research focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to chronic neurological problems (e.g. dementia, epilepsy and psychiatric disorders). The specific projects will involve a combination of approaches including rodent models, in vivo 2-photon imaging, 3D imaging of cleared transparent brains, live cell imaging, tissue histology, molecular biology, genetics, and behaviour. Ideal candidates will have some experience in basic molecular & cell biology methods and animal handling. Some knowledge in programing (Matlab, C++ or equivalent) will be plus. Salary will be based on German public employment guidelines (TV-L).

Applicants should submit their complete application documents (including CV, motivation letter, and 2 references or the contact info of at least 2 referees) via email to:

Dr. Ali Ertürk
isd@med.uni-muenchen.de
Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD)
Klinikum der Universität München
Heiglhofstr. 55
81377 Munich| Germany

Our Institute:
http://www.klinikum.uni-muenchen.de/Institut-fuer-Schlaganfall-und-Demenzforschung/download/inhalt/Neubau/CSD_OVERVIEW.pdf

Our lab:
http://www.klinikum.uni-muenchen.de/Institut-fuer-Schlaganfall-und-Demenzforschung/en/research/AcuteBrainInjury/index.html…

Job details

Employer:Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD)

Website:http://www.klinikum.uni-muenc...

Location:Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Expires:July 31, 2014

Job type:PhD Studentship

Salary:Unspecified

Qualifications:Postgraduate - Master's degree

Employment type:Temporary

Job hours:Full-time