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Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

“Insect Systems Neuroscience - Sleep, Social Reward, and Memory Consolidation in Honeybees”

**About the project:** Sleep supports memory consolidation through neural reactivation (“replay”), yet how different experiences—particularly socially reinforced ones—are selected for consolidation remains unclear. Social memories are often more persistent and motivationally salient, suggesting distinct consolidation dynamics.

This project investigates how social versus non-social reinforcement shapes memory strength and neural replay during sleep in honeybees, in direct comparison with zebra finches. Experimental findings will be integrated into a cross-species computational framework aimed at identifying general principles linking social reward, sleep, and memory consolidation. 

1. The Post-Doc position, with a salary of TV-L E13 in full time (40 hours/week; 100%), is available as part of a collaborative project limited until June 30, 2030. The earliest expected possible starting date is July 1, 2026. Your appointment and welfare benefits will be in line with the Collective Agreement for Public Service in the Federal States (TV-L).

About the lab:

The research group “Behavioral Neuroscience” focuses on decoding the exact mechanisms behind the negative consequences of sleep deprivation. We strive to understand how the lack of adequate sleep affects specific neuronal circuits and what role these changes play in memory, attention and cognitive function. We would also like to identify possible measures that could mitigate the negative effects.

Your role:

You will take scientific ownership of the honeybee component of the project and be encouraged to develop independent research directions within its framework. Responsibilities include:

• Designing and executing behavioral learning paradigms with social and non-social reinforcement
• In vivo calcium imaging during learning and sleep
• Quantitative analysis of neural activity, replay dynamics, and sleep stages using Python
• Contributing to and shaping cross-species computational modeling
• Leading publications and presenting results at international conferences
• Mentoring junior researchers and contributing to grant-related activities (as appropriate)

The position offers substantial intellectual independence and is well suited for candidates aiming for a future group leader or PI role.

**Your profile:** 

• PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Neuroethology, or a related field
• Experience with honeybees or insect model systems
• Proficiency in Python (required)
• Experience with calcium imaging (strong advantage)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive research projects
• Interest in interdisciplinary and cross-species approaches
• Excellent written and spoken English

We offer:

• Full-time postdoctoral position (40 h/week), TV-L E13, according to the Collective Agreement for Public Service in the Federal States (TV-L)
• A diverse and open international, interdisciplinary research environment with excellent infrastructure
• 4 year fixed-term position within a long-term collaborative project (limited until June 30, 2030)
• Active support for career development, networking, and the transition to scientific independence

About the institute:

The Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN) is an internationally recognized neuroscience research institute dedicated to understanding the neural mechanisms of learning and memory across organizational levels - from circuits to behavior. LIN provides a highly interdisciplinary, international research environment with strong expertise in systems neuroscience, sleep research, and neuroethology.

How to apply?

Please send your completed application documents as a single-PDF file, stating the reference number LIN 2026/08 to bewerbung@lin-magdeburg.de and hanna.zwaka@lin-magdeburg.de including:

• a motivation letter outlining your research background, scientific interests, and fit to the position
• CV including a list of publications,
• copies of relevant academic certificates.

Review of the applications will start on June 17th, 2026 until the position is filled. Applications will be considered until the position is filled and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

For any specific questions about the position, please contact Hanna Zwaka (hanna.zwaka@lin-magdeburg.de).

The LIN is a foundation under public law and committed to a comprehensive policy of Equal Opportunities in employment and research. We welcome all applications - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, and sexual orientation and identity.

If you have an international degree, please also enclose a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you would have to apply for one upon successful application. For more information, visit ZAB.

By submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal data for the purpose of the application process. Our detailed privacy policy for applicants (m/w/d) acc. Art. 13 DSGVO on data processing in the application process will be sent on request. Your attention is drawn to the fact that no application or interview expenses can be paid. Documents will be deleted after 6 months.