Ph.D. Student Position in Systems Neuroscience
Your Workplace
Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
Benefits: We Have a Lot To Offer
- 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
- Flexible working hours and models and the possibility to take time off in lieu
- Occupational pension scheme and asset accumulation savings scheme
- Family-friendly environment with childcare options, also during school holidays
- Working from home generally possible after training
- A wide range of training courses and opportunities for professional development
- Thorough onboarding process with a dedicated team
- Joint team activities
- Subsidized food and drinks in our student restaurants
- Offices within comfortable walking distance of public transport
- Active health management
- IT-supported facility management system
Your Tasks
The laboratory of Prof. A. Ponomarenko is seeking a doctoral student with a strong interest in
the dynamics of neuronal circuits and behavior. A central research topic of our group is neural
coding and dynamics underpinning cognitive control of learned and instinctive (innate)
behaviors. Using in vivo electrophysiology, opto-, chemogenetics, and machine learning
approaches we have previously shown that network oscillations organize neuronal signaling
from the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and the lateral septum to and within the
hypothalamus, and crucially contribute to the regulation of locomotion (Bender et al., 2015),
food seeking (Carus-Cadavieco et al., 2017) and intake (Altafi et al., 2024), and behavioral
transitions (Chen et al., 2024).
Your Profile
You hold a Master’s (or equivalent) in neuroscience or a related field and are genuinely curious
about neuronal dynamics and behavior. Prior experience with in vivo techniques, including
animal behavior and computational data analysis, is highly beneficial. Motivation to acquire
computer coding skills is required. You bring a constructive, problem-solving mindset to the
project, are prepared for sustained and focused work, and value effective communication with
your team and supervisor.
The application process
Apply online
Automatic confirmation of receipt sent by e-mail
Place of employment views applications
Invitation to first interview
Optional invitation to second interview in person at FAU
Is there a match?
Employment documents prepared
Consultation with Staff Council
Commencement of employment – welcome to FAU
Notice
For all job postings, the following applies: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität promotes equal professional opportunities for women. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.
Severely disabled persons as defined by the German Severely Disabled Persons Act will be given preferential consideration if they have the same professional qualifications and personal aptitude and if the advertised position is suitable for severely disabled persons. Details can be found in the respective job posting under “Remarks.”
At the applicant’s request, the Equal Opportunities Officer may be included in the job interview without any disadvantage to the applicant.
All advertised positions are generally suitable for part-time work unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
Release date: 11.02.2026, Poster View
Application deadline: 30.06.2026
| Title | Ph.D. Student Position in Systems Neuroscience |
|---|---|
| Job start date | 01.05.2026 |
| Location | Medizinische Fakultät Universitätsstrasse 17 91054 Erlangen |
| Working time | Full time |
| Weekly working hours | 40 |
| Limitation | Temporary employment: until 30.04.2029 |
| Contact | Prof. Alexey Ponomareko
|