PhD Student

Contract Length: 3 years full-time

City: Vienna

Country: Austria

Institution: Medical University Vienna; Center for Physiology and Pharmacology

Department: Division of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology

Contact: Assoc Professor Ornella Valenti

Funding: FWF – Austrian Science Fund

Description:

Our research aims at uncovering the organization of cortico-limbic networks during cognition, sociability, and motivation. Thus, we explore how specific neurotransmitters support and orchestrate brain circuit functions as well as how dysfunctions within these systems elicit neuropathologies. To this end, we employ a multidisciplinary approach that combines circuit analysis, behavioral genetics, molecular and cellular neuroscience. Our aim is to translate our understanding of activity-dependent circuit function and identify potential targets for the treatment of cognitive and psychiatric disorders.

We have one PhD position available for prospective students to join in Autumn 2024 funded by FWF – Austrian Science Fund. We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated scientist.

In this project, you will explore how substance-induced psychosis affects networks of the cortical-limbic system and the ability of specific neurotransmitters to rescue circuit dynamics and behavioral performances.

The successful candidate will have

• An academic education in Natural science, Neuroscience, Engineering, biophysics or related fields, with outstanding academic performance (first-class degree or equivalent).

• Relevant research experience in the field of circuit/systems neuroscience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. International applicants should meet the university’s English language requirements before starting their degree.

• Strong analytical skills.

Highly desirable additional skills (though not essential) include:

• Experimental expertise in slice electrophysiology (patch-clamp).

• Experience with stereotactic surgeries on the rodent brain.

• Experience in tracing efferent with viruses

• Genotyping and RT-PCR

• Proficiency in designing behavioural tasks and setting up experiments.

• Programming experience, ideally in Python or MATLAB.

• Experience with analysing neurophysiological or behavioural data.

• Experience with Molecular biology (Western blot, immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization)

How to Apply

Please send your application to Ornella Valenti, ornella.valenti(at)meduniwien.ac.at

Please include:

1. Your CV, including the grades for each of your higher education degrees, and provide the contact information for two referees.

2. Transcripts of your degrees.

3. PDF copy of your Master thesis

4. A cover letter describing your research interests, your motivations for pursuing a PhD in neuroscience, your interest in joining our lab, demonstrating how your research and educational background align with the requirements of our PhD positions, and outlining your future research aspirations and career goals.

The Medical University of Vienna aims to increase the proportion of women, particularly in management positions and among scientific staff, and therefore expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Women will be given priority if they have the same qualifications.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and therefore particularly invite them. If you have any questions, please contact the MedUni Vienna representative for disabled people. Information can be found at https://br-ap.meduniwien.ac.at/en/ueber-uns/behindertenvertrauenspersonen/

Information regarding the General Data Protection Regulation is available at www.meduniwien.ac.at/datenschutz/bewerbungen_en