Job ID: 123699

Does synaptic stability predict the probability of a neuron to be active?

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 15 September 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 December 2025

Contract Length: 36 months

City: Magdeburg

Country: Germany

Institution: Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology

Department: Hippocampal plasticity and memory group

Description:

The Hippocampal Plasticity and Memory group of Dr. Alessio Attardo at the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (Magdeburg, Germany) offers a position as: Postdoctoral fellow (f/m/d) for a 3-year fixed-term period (in accordance with the availability of funds and individual requirements) in full time with a salary of TV-L E13. The position is available from 1st December 2025, but starting time is flexible.

Focus of the project is the investigation of the link between the dynamics of synaptic structural plasticity and the probability of neurons to become active during spatial navigation, in mice. To this aim, the candidate will investigate longitudinally – by using head-fixed two-photon imaging in combination with cellular labelling techniques – the evolution of patterns of excitatory and inhibitory connectivity – by tracking dendritic spines and inhibitory synapses – and patterns of neuronal activity in the dorsal CA1 of live mice performing navigation tasks.

Key responsibilities are:

  • performing stereotactic surgeries in live mice;
  • performing experiments in live mice using two-photon microscopy;
  • maintaining accurate lab records and present at internal and external meetings.

Successful applicants:

  • completed a university degree (e.g. master, diploma) in biology, neurobiology, biophysics, physics or engineering and already hold or will complete in the nearest future a doctoral degree in the above-mentioned fields;
  • are curious, highly motivated and self-driven, able to work independently, have a collegial attitude, have a solid background in neurobiology;
  • have previous experience with optical imaging of neuronal activity or mouse stereotactic surgery or in vivo electrophysiology or advanced data analysis;
  • are fluent in English.

We offer:

  • an interesting and vibrant environment in an international and collaborative working setting characterized by diverse and exciting research projects;
  • a campus with state-of-the-art infrastructure and access to cutting edge technologies;
  • employment, remuneration and social benefits according to the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L);
  • equal opportunities and the compatibility of career and family as part of our personnel policy;
  • flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home.

To apply, send a single PDF file comprising:

  • a motivation letter (i) describing your laboratory experiences, (ii) explaining why you are a good to fit the project and (iii) discussing briefly one past publication of the Attardo lab;
  • CV including a list of publications;
  • in addition, arrange for two reference letters stating the reference number LIN 2025/09 to be sent separately to bewerbung@lin-magdeburg.de.

Review of the applications will start on 15th September 2025 until the position is filled. Incomplete applications or applications whose references will not have arrived by the beginning of review will not be considered. Any question can be addressed to alessio.attardo@lin-magdeburg.de.

The Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN) is an internationally recognized neuroscientific research institute and dedicated to the research on learning and memory. Our research comprises all organizational levels of the brain – from molecular and cellular processes to complex neuronal networks and behavior. The LIN is a foundation under public law and committed to a comprehensive policy of Equal Opportunities in employment and research. We welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, and sexual orientation and identity.

If you have an international degree, please also enclose a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you would have to apply for one upon successful application. For more information, please visit https://www.kmk.org/zab/zeugnisbewertung.html.