Research Associate / PhD Candidate in Cellular and Circuit Neuroscience (m/f/x)

In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25,8895 hrs/wk = 65%) starting in March 2027, we are looking for 1

Research Associate / PhD Candidate in Cellular and Circuit Neuroscience (m/f/x)

The newly established research group of Prof. Dr. Timothy Zolnik at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, investigates how deep cortical neurons influence cortical and thalamic circuits. Our work combines cellular electrophysiology with optogenetics, pharmacology and circuit approaches to study mechanisms relevant to attention and arousal.

The PhD candidate will investigate cellular and synaptic mechanisms in defined cortical circuits, with a focus on layer 6b and its interactions with other cortical and thalamic neurons. The project centers on whole-cell recordings in acute mouse brain slices, combined with optogenetic circuit mapping and quantitative analysis.

Scope: part-time

Duration: fixed-term, 3 years

Start: starting in March 2027

Apply by: 2026-10-26

Your tasks:

• Design and perform whole-cell patch-clamp experiments in acute mouse brain slices.
• Measure intrinsic neuronal properties and synaptic responses in identified cell types.
• Combine electrophysiology with optogenetic circuit mapping and pharmacological manipulations.
• Perform or assist with stereotaxic viral injections and prepare tissue for recordings and histology.
• Analyze, visualize and interpret electrophysiological data using quantitative methods.
• Document experiments and present results in lab meetings and at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts and the collaborative development of the research group.

Your profile:

• A completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, biology, physiology, biomedical sciences or a related field (required).
• Hands-on experience with whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in acute ex vivo brain slices (required).
• Experience analyzing and interpreting electrophysiological data (required).
• A strong interest in cellular, synaptic and circuit neuroscience, with careful experimental practice (required).
• Very good written and spoken English and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively (required).
• Experience with stereotaxic viral injections and/or optogenetics (desirable).
• Experience with neuropharmacology, histology, microscopy and/or programming for data analysis (advantageous).

https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/bcb3e2ce063d3b51157dd677541be13e7e1957230?ref=AfA