http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/

PhD Position : Tübingen, Germany

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and to date, there is no cure available. Dysregulation of the intracellular calcium homeostasis has been proposed as a proximal cause of neural dysfunction in AD. Working in vivo, in AD mouse models, our group has discovered a profound dysregulation of calcium homeostasis in neurons (Busche et al. Science 2008) and microglia (Brawek et al. Acta Neuropathol. 2014, in press). The dysregulation is most prominent in the vicinity of senile plaques, one of the major hallmarks of AD. Now we are looking for a motivated and talented PhD student interested in understanding molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena. The student will team-up with other lab members and will learn/apply state‐of‐the art optical and electrophysiological techniques (in vivo two‐photon microscopy, the use of genetically-encoded calcium indicators, cell attached and whole-cell patch clamp recordings, immunohistochemistry, etc.). The position is well paid (40 000 €/year) and the student can choose one of the two well structured training programs (Graduate school in Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience or PhD program in Experimental Medicine).
Qualifications required: master’s degree in biology (ideally neuroscience). Previous laboratory experience in our research area (neuroscience, molecular biology, in vivo imaging) will be appreciated. In addition, candidates should be enthusiastic about learning new techniques and contributing to data collection and analysis. Good communication skills, ability to work in a team, and proficiency in English language are required. 
Applications are welcome from overseas students as well as EU nationals. The project starts in February/March 2014. Applications should include a detailed CV, a brief letter of motivation, and names of at least two reference persons. Please send these materials to Dr. Brawek (bianca.brawek@uni-tuebingen.de). For further information about the lab please visit http://www.physiologie2.uni-tuebingen.de/.

Job details

Employer:Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

Location:Tübingen, Germany

Expires:January 31, 2014

Job type:PhD Studentship

Salary:Unspecified

Qualifications:Postgraduate - Master's degree

Employment type:Temporary

Job hours:Part-time