Research Associates (m/f/d) / PhD Students (m/f/d) - Institute of Physiology

Research Associate/ PhD Student (m/f/d) - Institute of Physiology

Ref.-Nr.

Third-party funding

In the Institute of Physiology (Director: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Volkmar Leßmann) of the Medical Faculty at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, positions are available for Research Associates (m/f/d) / PhD Students (m/f/d).

We offer three PhD positions in the following areas:

• Electrophysiology of synaptic plasticity in acute mouse brain slices using an "Alzheimer's disease" mouse model.
• Behavioral analyses of learning and memory in an "Alzheimer's disease" mouse model.
• Live-cell imaging of BDNF transport and secretion in acute brain slices and neuronal iPSC-derived network cultures.

The aim of the project is to investigate the efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs against memory loss in vivo and against synaptic deficits ex vivo in an "Alzheimer's disease" mouse model.

Effects of anti-inflammatory drugs on synaptic plasticity in mouse models of "Alzheimer's disease".

Our research:

Our group combines electrophysiology, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy and behavioral neuroscience to study cellular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and learning. We previously demonstrated beneficial effects of the S1P receptor modulators Fingolimod and Ozanimod on synaptic transmission, spine density and learning deficits in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. Within the EFRE-funded EMTAD project, we investigate the molecular mechanisms of S1PR modulators and additional anti-inflammatory compounds in cell culture and in vivo. Promising candidates will subsequently be evaluated in clinical studies steered by another EMTAD sub-project.

We offer:

• An internationally oriented research environment with extensive expertise in BDNF biology and synaptic plasticity. Besides Alzheimer’s disease our research topics include:
  • Secretion and synaptic actions of neuropeptides and neuromodulators (e.g. BDNF and dopamine)
  • Dopamine- and BDNF-dependent regulation of hippocampus-, amygdala- and neocortex-mediated behavior
• Internal and external training courses
• Offers within the framework of occupational health management
• Job Ticket with employer’s subsidy

Your profile:

• Master's degree in Biology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience or a closely related discipline with an experimental neuroscience thesis.
• Strong interest in synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration
• Practical experience in one of the following areas:
  • Electrophysiology/neurophysiology (LTP, LTD, STDP) in acute brain slices;
  • Behavioral testing of learning and memory in mice;
  • Modern fluorescence microscopy (confocal or two-photon imaging)
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Independent, structured working style and excellent teamwork and communication skills

Terms and Conditions:

• Appointment: The position is available immediately, part-time (26 hours/week) and limited until .

The three positions are funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project "Establishment of Anti-inflammatory Drugs for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (EMTAD)" until 30 September 2028. Employment duration depends on the start date and funding period.

• Work Location: Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Faculty of Medicine, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg
• Application Deadline: 07/31/2026.

For further information, please contact Ms. Susan Böse (Institute of Physiology Office) at .

Your application:

Preferred application format: online submission including a cover letter, CV, and relevant certificates.

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Faculty of Medicine

Personnel Division - Recruiting

Reference number:

Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg

If you have an international vocational or academic qualification, your application must be accompanied by a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (KMK). If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you will need to apply for one if your application is successful.

The Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It therefore encourages women with according qualifications to apply. Applications from persons with a certified serious disability will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification.