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Post-doctoral researcher (f/m/d)

“Systems neuroscience and neuroimaging”

**About the project:** Sleep deprivation can lead to cardiovascular diseases; the reason remains unknown. This project uses a powerful glass-brain vertebrate model - transparent zebrafish larvae - to unravel how sleep deprivation disrupts neural circuits and physiology that can lead to these consequences. Zebrafish share conserved sleep and stress regulation pathways with humans, making them an ideal model for studying these processes. Their transparency enables us to simultaneously track heart rate, behavior, hormone release, and brain activity at single-cell resolution in vivo. 

Your role:

You will investigate with in vivo two-photon imaging in behaving fish how sleep deprivation affects brain–heart interactions and stress. 

•          In vivo calcium imaging of the brain and the heart during behaving and sleep

•          Quantitative analysis of neural activity using Python

•          Leading publications and presenting results at international conferences

•          Mentoring junior researchers and contributing to grant-related activities (as appropriate)

We are also a partner lab at Harvard, which allows for an exchange internship at Harvard. 

1. The Post-Doc position with a salary of TV-L E13 in full time (40 hours/week) is available as part of a collaborative project limited until May 31, 2031. The earliest expected possible starting date is August 1, 2026 (in accordance with the availability of funds and individual requirements). 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 also identify possible measures that could mitigate the negative effects.

**Your profile:** 

• Completed doctoral degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical engineering, Physics, Life science, or a related field
• Solid background in neurobiology
• Proficiency with statistics and programing experience with Python
• Previous experience with neuroimaging

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
• Flexible starting date for fixed-term position limited until May 31, 2031
• 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 2026/09 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 30th, 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, you can 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, please visit https://www.kmk.org/zab/zeugnisbewertung.html. 

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, please 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.