PhD position (f/m/d) in behavioral neuroscience – Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology

PhD position (f/m/d) in behavioral neuroscience – Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 28 February 2026

Employment Start Date: 1 July 2026

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Magdeburg

Country: Germany

Institution: Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg

Department: Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Description:

Third-party funding

The Faculty of Medicine is an integral part of the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg and cooperates with the Magdeburg University Hospital A.ö.R. in research, teaching and patient care. The latest findings in medical research and state-of-the-art equipment are used in diagnostic procedures and patient care. The main research foci of the faculty are “Immunology” including “Molecular Medicine of Inflammation” and “Neurosciences”.

The Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg , Germany, is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate (f/m/d) to join a research project investigating the interplay between cognitive flexibility and uncertainty in laboratory mice . The project is led by the PIs Daniela Dieterich, Markus Fendt, and Thomas Nickl-Jockschat and is part of the Halle–Jena–Magdeburg site of the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), within the Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive Brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C). For further information about the project and C-I-R-C, please contact Markus Fendt E-Mail schreiben or visit

The successful candidate should have a strong interest in the neural basis of neuropsychiatric disorders and the factors affecting susceptibility and resilience, as well as a solid practical background in neurobiology. Experience in behavioral neuroscience — such as animal paradigms of emotion, executive functions, operant conditioning, and/or methods to assess brain activity or connectivity — is desirable and preferably documented by publications. In addition, a willingness to learn script-based configuration of experimental protocols and analysis of experimental data is expected. Experience in stereotaxic surgery and/or a certificate in laboratory animal science (Function A or FELASA B) is an advantage. Fluency in English and the ability to work in an international research environment are required.

We offer working in a multidisciplinary and international team, with a research focus on the neuropharmacological basis of cognition and emotions. Our institute is located on the university hospital campus with several world-leading research centers and institutes, including the SFB 1436 and the Center of Behavioral Brain Research (CBBS).

The position (TVL E13 65%) will become available in July 2026 and needs to be filled as soon as possible. The position is limited until August 2030.

To apply for this position, please send a single PDF file with a cover letter describing your past research activities, research interest, and motivation to join our team, CV and publication list, and the name/contact information of two references.

We look forward to receiving your application by (application deadline). Apply now by email ( ; reference number ) or via our application portal:

Name: University Hospital Campus, Institute for Pharmacology

Address: Otto von Guericke University MagdeburgFaculty of Medicine(Personnel Division - Recruiting; Reference number: )Leipziger Str. 44D-39120 MagdeburgGERMANY

Location

Magdeburg, Brenneckestr., 39120 Magdeburg, Germany