Research Associate / PhD Candidate in Cellular and Circuit Neuroscience (m/f/x)

Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology :
Cellular and Circuit Neuroscience
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25,8895 hrs/wk = 65%) starting in March 2027, we are looking for 1

The newly established research group of Prof. Dr. Timothy Zolnik at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, investigates how deep cortical neurons influence cortical and thalamic circuits. Our work combines cellular electrophysiology with optogenetics, pharmacology and circuit approaches to study mechanisms relevant to attention and arousal.

The PhD candidate will investigate cellular and synaptic mechanisms in defined cortical circuits, with a focus on layer 6b and its interactions with other cortical and thalamic neurons. The project centers on whole-cell recordings in acute mouse brain slices, combined with optogenetic circuit mapping and quantitative analysis.

Your tasks:

• Design and perform whole-cell patch-clamp experiments in acute mouse brain slices.
• Measure intrinsic neuronal properties and synaptic responses in identified cell types.
• Combine electrophysiology with optogenetic circuit mapping and pharmacological manipulations.
• Perform or assist with stereotaxic viral injections and prepare tissue for recordings and histology.
• Analyze, visualize and interpret electrophysiological data using quantitative methods.
• Document experiments and present results in lab meetings and at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts and the collaborative development of the research group.

Your profile:

• A completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, biology, physiology, biomedical sciences or a related field (required).
• Hands-on experience with whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in acute ex vivo brain slices (required).
• Experience analyzing and interpreting electrophysiological data (required).
• A strong interest in cellular, synaptic and circuit neuroscience, with careful experimental practice (required).
• Very good written and spoken English and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively (required).
• Experience with stereotaxic viral injections and/or optogenetics (desirable).
• Experience with neuropharmacology, histology, microscopy and/or programming for data analysis (advantageous).

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, A qualified on-boarding and induction process, Extensive training and professional development opportunities, Discounts for bicycle purchases and bicycle rental systems

Close scientific supervision, with scope to develop an independent doctoral research project. Access to electrophysiology and imaging infrastructure and to the wider neuroscience community at RUB.

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.

Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).

RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

Contact persons for further information:

Ms. Natalie Becker 0234/ 32-28328

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-10-26. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6212.

Online application

Online application