Your workplace
The Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, part of the Faculty of Medicine at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), combines modern physiological research with innovative computer science methods. The focus is on the analysis of neuronal signal processing and the use of artificial intelligence, for example for the real-time evaluation of ion channel activities. Interdisciplinary working groups investigate the function of the central nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions. The close integration of biology, medicine and computer science creates a dynamic, future-oriented working environment.

Our benefits

• Regular promotion to the next level and increase in salary pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for the public service of the German Länder (TV-L) or remuneration pursuant to the Bavarian Public Servants Remuneration Act (BayBesG) plus an additional annual bonus
• 30 days annual leave at five working days per week with additional free days on December 24 and 31
• Occupational pension scheme and asset accumulation savings scheme
• Training in high-density electrophysiology by those who first applied it in behaving mice. Access to advanced training courses, workshops, and career development programs offered by the FAU Graduate School of Life Sciences.
• Direct supervision and mentoring by the PI, ranging from hands-on guidance to regular feedback during independent troubleshooting and research.
• Potential international collaborations: many of our previous projects involved teaming up with leading neuroscience groups.
• State-of-the-art facilities: The lab features an excellent surgical facility, optogenetic setups, a workshop, and multiple multichannel recording systems, with imaging facilities available at the institute.
• Work-life balance: We value a long-term perspective, balancing research and personal life over years and decades – a sustainable approach to a fulfilling academic career. Our institute is located in the city center with direct access to a historic park, offering a relaxing environment just a few minutes’ walk from the train station connecting Erlangen with the Nuremberg metropolitan area.

Your Tasks

• Investigating neural dynamics and coding that organize the activity of neural circuits underpinning instinctive (innate) behaviors
• Using in vivo electrophysiology, opto-, chemogenetics, and machine learning approaches
• Perform data processing and signal analysis to identify patterns of network oscillations
• Work closely with our research team to discuss findings and plan further studies
• Present results and contribute to the ongoing evaluation of the project

Your Profile

• Master’s or Ph.D. (or equivalent) in neuroscience or a related field
• Prior experience with in vivo brain activity recording and behavioral methods
• You are strongly motivated to develop skills in signal processing and data analysis
• You bring a constructive, problem-solving mindset to the project
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Supplementary description
Application deadline
2025-06-13
Title
Ph.D. Student or Postdoctoral Position in Systems Neuroscience (m/f/d)
Job start date
2025-09-01
Payment
E13
Working time
part time
Weekly working hours
30,00
Temporary Contract
yes
Further general conditions
Work location
Universitätsstrasse 17
91054 Erlangen
Contact
Prof. Ponomarenko Alexey
Tel.: 09131 8529302

• Investigating neural dynamics and coding that organize the activity of neural circuits underpinning instinctive (innate) behaviors
• Using in vivo electrophysiology, opto-, chemogenetics, and machine learning approaches
• Perform data processing and signal analysis to identify patterns of network oscillations
• Work closely with our research team to discuss findings and plan further studies
• Present results and contribute to the ongoing evaluation of the projec