The Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen is looking to fill the position of a

Doctoral / Ph.D. Student (f/m/d)

for research on the “Cellular and Circuit Mechanisms of Brain-wide Chemosensory Valence Encoding” in zebrafish.

The position is funded by the Schram Stiftung for a period of three years, with a salary according to the German salary scale TV-L E13 (65 %), and should be filled by June 1st, 2026.

● Investigate how genetically defined neural circuits in the larval zebrafish forebrain encode valence (positive or negative value) of chemosensory stimuli.
● Explore how internal states and learned experiences modulate neuronal processing related to encoding of chemosensory valence and control of behavior.
● Conduct brain-wide functional imaging (Ca2+ imaging) using multiphoton microscopy and targeted manipulations (e.g., optogenetics, ablations) to better understand the cellular and circuit-level mechanisms driving odor valence classification.
● Study distributed and genetically identifiable neuronal ensembles that form the substrate for state- and experience-dependent changes in sensory processing, using advanced behavioral paradigms in combination with 2-photon Ca2+ imaging in awake, behaving zebrafish embryos and larvae.

Candidate Profile:
Applicants should hold a diploma or MSc degree in Neuroscience, General Biology, Molecular Medicine, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have:
● A strong background in neuroscience, and in particular, a strong interest in sensory / circuit / systems neuroscience approaches.
● Proven experience with data analysis (highly desirable) — particularly multivariate analysis techniques to analyze behavioral and functional imaging or electrophysiological data.
● Practical skills in conducting behavioral experiments with live small vertebrates (e.g. zebrafish) is desirable.
● Prior experience with multiphoton or confocal imaging is beneficial but not required.
● High level and fluency in English (the working language) is required; knowledge of German is an asset.
● Motivation to conduct independent research and pursue a doctoral degree within a collaborative environment.
● Willingness to participate in seminars, lab meetings, and to assist with student supervision.

This position is designed to support the growth of early-career researchers by offering a strong foundation in both laboratory and analysis aspects of systems neuroscience work, while fostering scientific independence and collaboration. The students will have the chance to be part of transdisciplinary collaborations with other labs at the Göttingen Campus, incl. the Göttingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks (CIDBN), the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS), and the European Neuroscience Institute (ENI).

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.

Applications containing the common documents should be sent by February 15th, 2026 in electronic form to Dr. Thomas Frank, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie, Dpt. Multiscale Biology, “Zebrafish Neurobiology” Research Group, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 5, 37077 Göttingen, Germany, thomas.frank@uni-goettingen.de.

Please note:
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