Download Senior Postdoctoral position for two-photon

Senior Postdoctoral position for two-photon imaging of network activity in vivo / Head of Two-Photon
Microscopy Unit – Code 4011/2013/7
The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a center of excellence within the Helmholtz
Association that performs translational research on Neurodegenerative Diseases. The center includes nine
high-performing sites in Berlin, Bonn, Dresden, Göttingen, Magdeburg, Munich, Rostock/Greifswald, Tübingen
and Witten.
One full-time postdoctoral position is available in the Molecular Neuroplasticity Research Group
(http://www.dzne.de/en/sites/magdeburg/research-groups/dityatev.html) headed by Prof. Alexander
Dityatev. The group aims to investigate the role of cell adhesion and extracellular matrix molecules in
physiological and pathological plasticity, particularly in neurodegenerative disorders, using genetically modified
mice, neural reprogramming, patch clamp and multielectrode array recordings, functional imaging,
optogenetics, viral, enzymatic and conditional pharmacological manipulations in vitro and in vivo.
For more information about research, please see recent papers and reviews:
Kochlamazashvili et al. (2012) Restoration of synaptic plasticity and learning in young
and adult NCAM deficient mice by enhancing neurotransmission mediated by the
NR2A-containing NMDA receptors. J. Neurosci. 32:2263-75; Dityatev & Rusakov
(2011) Molecular signals of plasticity at the tetrapartite synapse. Curr Opin Neurobiol.
2011, 21:353-9; Caiazzo et al. (2011) Direct generation of functional dopaminergic
neurons from mouse and human fibroblasts. Nature 476:224-7; Dityatev et al. (2010)
The dual role of the extracellular matrix in synaptic plasticity and homeostasis. Nat
Rev Neurosci. 11:735-46; Kochlamazashvili et al. (2010) The extracellular matrix
molecule hyaluronic acid regulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity by modulating
postsynaptic L-type Ca2+ channels. Neuron 67:116-28.
A candidate (f/m) to be considered should (i) have several published studies documenting his/her expertise
in two-photon imaging, preferably in vivo, and demonstrate (ii) excellent technical knowledge of two-photon
microscopy and (iii) programming skills necessary to control data acquisition and analysis. Initially, the
selected candidate is expected to perform Ca2+ imaging of network activity in the prefrontal cortex in headfixed awake animals in a virtual T-maze. He/she will supervise PhD students whose projects involve twophoton imaging and will receive the maximal support for grant application and developing own lines of
research.
The position is immediately available, initially for 2 years, but with possibility to be extended for considerably
longer time. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. The DZNE is an equal opportunity
employer. The DZNE is committed to employing disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply.
Employment, payment and social benefits are determined by the Public Sector Collective Agreement
(Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst - TVöD). The job location is Magdeburg, Germany.
Interested candidates should send their applications including a CV, a letter stating research interests and the
names and contact information of two references to Karen Mueller-Zabel ([email protected]).