Vacancy Notice  043/2025

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) is an internationally oriented and regionally networked university with a strong research profile.

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The Chair of Neuronal Computation (Prof. J. Kremkow – Heisenberg Professorship) of the Faculty of Natural Sciences seeks to fill the following vacancy:

Research Associate (m/f/d) in behavioral systems neuroscience



Salary scale:
13 TV-L
Date commencing:
May 1, 2025
Fixed term:
6 months
Contract status:
50 %

We are a university with a focus on engineering and natural sciences as well as economics, human sciences and medicine. We offer excellent study and working conditions to 13,000 students from Germany and abroad as well as approx. 3,000 employees.

The Heisenberg Professorship for Neuronal Computation, led by Prof. Dr. Jens Kremkow at OVGU Magdeburg, investigates the neural basis of sensory guided behaviors in mice. Our research focuses on the relationship between neurons, circuits, and behavior using methods such as cellular neurophysiology, state-of-the-art high-density neuronal recording techniques, optogenetics, and computational models.

We are seeking a Research Associate to investigate orienting behaviors in mice, particularly in relation to the mechanisms that structure and organize multimodal behavioral sequences. The project involves developing a novel behavioral paradigm in a real-world floating environment, referred to as an ‘air-track’ for mice. This includes tracking behaviors using high-speed cameras and machine learning techniques, as well as determining the roles of the cortex and colliculus in driving behavior through in vivo optogenetic methods.

Job description:

  • to develop a multimodal orienting behavior for mice using real-world floating environments
  • to track multimodal behaviors using multiple high-speed cameras
  • to analyze behavior using machine learning approaches
  • to investigate multimodal behavioral control in mice using optogenetic methods
  • to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team and taking responsibility for research progress and research reporting, presentations at scientific meetings etc.
  • to contribute to the development of data analysis methods and the fostering of international collaborations
  • to contribute to teaching students (mentoring will be provided)
  • to pursue a scientific qualification

Requirements profile:

  • a Master's degree in neuroscience with a strong quantitative background
  • experience with the real-world floating environment “air-track”
  • experience with optogenetic manipulations in the mouse in vivo
  • experience with analysis of behavioral data, including machine learning methods such as Deeplabcut, Facemap etc.
  • experience with histological processing and microscopic imaging of brain tissue (to verify opsin expression at stimulation site)
  • experience with Neuropixels in vivo electrophysiology (to validate optogenetic effects at local and long-range targets)
  • experience in programming with Python and in statistical methods
  • excellent language skills in English (German language skills are welcome but not essential)
  • confidence and motivation to develop data analysis techniques and to drive research projects forward

This is a fixed term post, initially for six months, but can be potentially extended. If you have questions about the advertised position, please contact Prof. Jens Kremkow (jens.kremkow(at)ovgu.de). For further information about the research group, please see www.kremkowlab.com.

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, with its associated institutes, has an internationally renowned scientific profile in Neuroscience. Magdeburg is a vibrant and multidisciplinary scientific environment offering a broad range of opportunities for cutting-edge neuroscience research.

You will benefit from our structures and offerings in the fields of sustainability, diversity, family support and staff development. Our location in the center of a thriving, lively and family-friendly state capital guarantees a high quality of life and a wide range of leisure activities. For more information, please visit www.ovgu.de/en/karriere.

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is a signatory of the German Diversity Charter. We welcome your application, regardless of gender, cultural and social background, age or sexual orientation. Applications from severely disabled people or people with an equivalent impairment will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional expertise. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg strongly promotes gender equality in all professional areas.

Please note the information for storage of personal data: https://www.ovgu.de/en/data_protection.html.

Please send your complete application (motivation letter, curriculum vitae, graduation certificates, references) by March 5, 2025 using the online application portal.



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