PhD Position – Neural Circuits for Sensory Integration and Motor Control

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association aims to transform tomorrow’s medicine through our discoveries of today. At locations in Berlin-Buch, Berlin-Mitte, Heidelberg and Mannheim, our researchers harness interdisciplinary collaboration to decipher the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and the entire organism. Through academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we strive to translate biological discoveries into applications that enable the early detection of deviations from health, personalize treatment, and ultimately prevent disease. First founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center today inspires and nurtures a diverse talent pool of 1,800 people from over 70 countries. We are 90 percent funded by the German federal government and 10 percent by the state of Berlin.

Job Description

Our laboratory investigate how the nervous system processes sensory information to orchestrate motor behaviour. In particular, we focus on spinal sensorimotor circuits and their role in encoding somatosensory input and motor control. We apply a systems neuroscience approach combining mouse genetics, molecular profiling, circuit tracing, and behavioural analysis to dissect the functional architecture of neural circuits controlling movement.

Requirements

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who:

• holds a Master’s degree in neuroscience, biology, or a related field
• has an excellent command of English and strong communication skills
• is enthusiastic, creative, and committed to scientific discovery
• ideally, has experience in one or more of the following: mouse work, behavioural analysis, viral tracing, coding

We offer

• international working environment with communication in English and German
• interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
• Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit (“berufundfamilie audit”)
• Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

You also benefit from:

• a remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes
• a secure job
• flexible working hours and childcare support
• the possibility of mobile working
• an idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
• free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus
• Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
• On-campus health and fitness center
• additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace