Summary
The Department of Neurophysiology at the University of Würzburg, Germany, is inviting applications for a fully funded 3-year PhD position in Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience. The project investigates the activity-dependent development and maturation of hippocampal networks in vivo using cutting-edge approaches such as two-photon imaging, electrophysiology, and chemogenetic manipulation in mice. Structured doctoral training is provided via the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS).
Designation
Ph.D. Student / Doctoral Researcher
Key Information Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Position | Ph.D. Student |
| Host Institution | University of Würzburg |
| Department / Lab | Institute of Physiology / Department of Neurophysiology |
| Funding Agency | German Research Foundation (DFG) |
| Salary / Remuneration | TV-L E13 (65%) |
| Contract Duration | 3 Years |
| Starting Date | October 1, 2026 (or available immediately) |
| Application Deadline | August 30, 2026 |
Research Area
- Field: Cellular, Systems, and Developmental Neuroscience
- Project Title: Activity-Dependent Development of Hippocampal Networks in vivo
- Key Focus: Investigating how early emerging patterns of neuronal activity shape the functional maturation of hippocampal circuits and understanding the functional consequences of perturbing these processes.
- Techniques Used: In vivo two-photon calcium imaging, patch-clamp/electrophysiology, chemogenetic circuit manipulation, and quantitative data analysis.
Location
Würzburg, Germany
Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, University of Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
Eligibility / Qualification
Essential Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
- Strong intrinsic scientific motivation, curiosity, and research ambition.
- Solid foundation in cellular and/or systems neuroscience.
- Strong experimental aptitude and readiness to learn technically demanding methods.
- Quantitative mindset and interest in rigorous data analysis.
- Willingness to carry out in vivo mouse experiments.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Desirable Qualifications
- Prior hands-on experience in two-photon imaging, calcium imaging, or patch-clamp electrophysiology.
- Experience with scientific programming and quantitative data analysis.
- Background in neuronal development, hippocampal physiology, or network dynamics.
Scholarship / Position Description
- Funding & Contract: Fully funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for 3 years, with compensation under the German public-sector pay scale (TV-L E13 at 65%).
- Research Environment: Direct involvement in a high-impact, conceptually driven research project with state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure.
- Doctoral Training: Integrated within the structured curriculum of the international Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) at the University of Würzburg.
- Professional Growth: Close mentoring, conference presentation opportunities, and active support toward establishing scientific independence.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should assemble their complete application documents (CV, cover letter, degree certificates, and references/contact details) into a single PDF file and email it directly to:
- Contact Person: Dr. Knut Kirmse
- Email: knut.kirmse@uni-wuerzburg.de
- Website: University of Würzburg
Last Date for Apply
August 30, 2026 (Interview invitations will be sent in early September 2026)
