PhD Student (f/m/d): Neural Basis of Tick Sensory Processing

The University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) unites the Medical Faculty of Georg-August University and the University Hospital in an integration model. With over 9,700 employees, the UMG and its subsidiaries are one of the largest employers in the region. More than 60 clinics, institutes and departments stand for high-quality patient care, excellent research and modern teaching.
Göttingen as a city of science is located in the center of Germany and the University Medical Center Göttingen is integrated into an attractive network of university and non-university scientific institutions.

The Institute für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie of the University Medical Centre Göttingen is looking for a new position to March 1^st, 2025

PhD Student (f/m/d): The Neural Basis of Tick Sensory Processing

Part time, 25.025 hours per week, limited for 3 years
Remuneration according to TV-L E13

Are you fascinated by the intricate workings of the nervous system and driven by curiosity about how sensory information shapes behavior? Join the pioneering research team of Dr. Carola Städele to explore the neural basis of sensory processing in ticks. This project will tackle an exciting and urgent challenge: understanding how ticks, as major disease vectors, process sensory information underlying behaviors like host-seeking and feeding.

Ticks, especially the castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus, are responsible for transmitting severe diseases, including Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. Yet, the neuronal mechanisms underlying their sensory systems remain largely unknown. This PhD position offers you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by uncovering the neural pathways and circuits that govern tick sensory processing, contributing to both fundamental neuroscience and public health research.

Your key responsibilities

• Developing a high-resolution 3D atlas of the Ixodes ricinus brain
• Mapping sensory projections (olfactory and gustatory pathways) and decoding olfactory circuits through advanced imaging and neuroanatomical techniques

What we're Looking For

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Life Sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics or a related field)
• Preferably, experience with immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, or neuroanatomical methods
• Strong interest in sensory neurobiology and advanced imaging techniques
• Good written and spoken English (B2 level or higher)
• Ability to work collaboratively in an international team
• Proactive, problem-solving mindset, coupled with flexibility and enthusiasm for cutting-edge research

How to Apply

• Structured PhD training through the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GAUSS / GGNB)
• Access to state-of-the-art imaging and research facilities
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment with opportunities to work on translational projects
• Competitive salary and funding for conference participation and training
• Wide range of interesting benefits as an UMG employee
• Unique opportunity to live and work in Göttingen, a historic university town with a vibrant research community

If you’re excited to join this innovative research effort, please submit the following documents:

• A motivation letter explaining why you are an excellent fit for the position.
• Your CV.
• Academic transcripts.
• Contact details for 2-3 referees who can provide a recommendation.

Our goal as University Medical Center Göttingen is professional equality for all genders. We strive to equalize the gender ratio in areas where there is underrepresentation. The University Medical Center Göttingen is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled people and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal suitability, applications from severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the relevant regulations. We kindly ask you to indicate a disability/equal status in your letter of application in order to safeguard your interests.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but should not be submitted later than January 7^th, 2025.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Apply now

University Medical Center Göttingen
Institute für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie
PhD Carola Städele

Humboldtallee 23
D-37073 Göttingen
+49 (0) 551/39-65925
https://www.neuro-physiol.med.uni-goettingen.de/