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.

Apply now

Apply now

Application deadline: 30.06.2026

Job start date 01.05.2026 Application deadline 30.06.2026 Location Medizinische Fakultät

Universitätsstrasse 17

91054 Erlangen Working time Full time Weekly working hours 40 hours/week Limitation Temporary employment: until 30.04.2029 Contact Prof. Alexey Ponomareko

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +49 9131 85-29302

The application process

• Apply online
• Automatic confirmation of receipt sent by e-mail
• Place of employment views applications
• Invitation to first interview
• 2 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