Doctoral Research Position (m/f/x) - The Institute of Physiology

Saarland University is a campus university that is internationally recognized for its strong research programmes. Fostering young academic talent and creating ideal conditions for teaching and research are a core part of the university’s mission. As part of the University of the Greater Region, Saarland University enables students and staff to share and exchange knowledge and ideas between disciplines, between universities and across borders. With over 17,000 national and international students, studying more than a hundred different academic disciplines, Saarland University is a diverse and dynamic learning environment. Saarland University is officially recognized as one of Germany’s family-friendly higher-education institutions and with a combined workforce of more than 4,000 it is one of the largest employers in the region.

The Institute of Physiology at Campus Homburg is inviting applications for the following position commencing 15 August 2026.

Doctoral Research Position (m/f/x)

Reference number W2887, salary in accordance with the German TV-L salary scale¹, pay grade: E13 TV-L, duration of employment: 2 years with the option to prolong the role, volume of employment: 100 % of standard working time.

Workplace/Department:

A postdoctoral position is available at the Institute of Physiology at Saarland University (Homburg campus, in the Department of Systemic Neurophysiology (Sauer Lab). The position will focus on investigating neuronal mechanisms of learning and is affiliated with the Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine.

We apply state-of-the-…

Job requirements and responsibilities:

Your task in this research project will be to perform and analyze neurophysiological experiments in rodent model systems, including state-of-the‑art in vivo calcium imaging and/or electrophysiological approaches.

Your academic qualifications:

• Doctoral degree / PhD in neuroscience or a related field
• FELASA certificate (or equivalent) for working with laboratory animals
• Language skills (according to GER): German and/or English – at least B2

The successful candidate will also be expected to:

• be highly motivated with a strong interest in neuroscience
• strong interest in collaborative work within the team
• have experience with rodent model systems
• possess hands‑on experience with either in vivo electrophysiology, in vivo calcium imaging or computational modelling (e.g., spiking network models)
• demonstrate a strong background in scientific programming (e.g., population data analysis), ideally in Python
• willingness to contribute to academic teaching is beneficial

What we can offer you:

• A flexible work schedule allowing you to balance work and family, among other things the possibility of teleworking
• Secure and future‑oriented employment with attractive conditions
• A broad range of further education and professional development programmes (for example language courses)
• An occupational health management model with numerous attractive options, such as our university sports programme
• Supplementary pension scheme (RZVK)
• Discounted tickets on local public transport services (‘Job-Ticket’ of the saarVV)
• Job bike leasing (JobRad)

1 TV‑L = collective agreement on remuneration of public sector employees in the German Länder

The pay grade assigned to an employee depends on their professional qualifications and the number of years of service. Each pay grade is further subdivided into levels. Entry‑level employees with no previous experience will initially be assigned a level 1 rating. After one year at level 1 of the E10 pay grade, an employee will move up to level 2. After a further two years, the employee will move to level 3, etc.

Pay grade classification is based on the particular details of the position held and the extent to which the applicant meets the requirements of the pay grade within the TV‑L salary scale.

Part‑time employment is generally possible.

If you have obtained a foreign university degree, a proof of the equivalence of this degree with a German degree by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB) is needed before hiring. If necessary, please apply for this in time. You can find more information at

Unfortunately, neither costs for attending an interview at Saarland University nor costs for any certificate evaluation by the ZAB can be reimbursed in principle.

We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation and identity. In accordance with its policy of increasing the proportion of women, the University actively encourages applications from women. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability.

When you submit a job application to Saarland University you will be transmitting personal data. Please refer to our privacy notice for information on how we collect and process personal data in accordance with Art. 13 of the Datenschutz‑Grundverordnung. By submitting your application you confirm that you have taken note of the information in the Saarland University privacy notice.

Herr Prof. Dr. Jonas‑Frederic Sauer

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