Job description:

We are offering research projects for MSc students in Neuroscience, Molecular and Cell Biology or similar. Our laboratory is situated in the Department of Translational Dementia Research at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Bonn.

We are investigating the effect of early-life stress in mice on the emergence of emotional and cognitive deficits in adulthood, specifically, how epigenetic mechanisms, including small and non-coding RNA contribute to this process and lead to alteration in synaptic composition and neuronal morphology in specific brain regions that are relevant to mental disorders. We combine behavioural characterization with high throughput molecular techniques (RNA seq, ATAC seq), microscopy and circuit analysis. Our ultimate goal is to provide preclinical evidence for the role of non-coding RNAs as novel therapeutic targets for mental disorders.

Depending on your interest and experience in working with mice, you will have the chance to contribute to the following projects/experiments:

Immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy and image analysis to quantify synaptic markers and analyze dendritic morphology and/or to detect specific RNA targets (RNA scope) in brain slices

Behavioral experiments in mice: implementation of the limited bedding and nesting material paradigm of early-life stress, cognitive tasks and assessment of anxiety-like behavior and anhedonia

Stereotaxic surgeries in mouse brain to perform neural tracing and/or in-vivo RNA manipulations

You have the enthusiasm, curiosity and motivation for Neuroscience and for our research topic. You are committed to learn and contribute to our projects with your independent work and innovative ideas. Experience in working with animals is appreciated, but not a prerequisite for all projects available.

What our employees value

• Innovation and internationality – a forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations
• Family-conscious corporate culture – Because we know that family is important
• Health promotion – through our extensive range of company health programs, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund
• Individual onboarding – To ensure a smooth start in your new professional challenge
• The position is limited to 6 month within the course of an internship

The DZNE is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to employing disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.