Description:

• Position: PhD Candidate / University Assistant (m/f/d)
• Start Date: 2026
• Contract: Full-time, fixed-term (4 years)
• Location: Linz, Austria
• Institution: Johannes Kepler University Linz – Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary neuroscience project at the interface of human stem cell biology, circuit neuroscience, and translational research.

Project

The adult human brain has only a very limited capacity to replace lost neurons. Current clinical approaches to restore neurological function therefore rely largely on electronic implants, which can partially substitute lost inputs & outputs but remain constrained by material stability, limited spatial precision, and the absence of true synaptic integration with host circuits.

Cell-based strategies offer a fundamentally different perspective: replacing lost neurons with living cells that can integrate functionally into existing networks. However, it remains challenging to establish functionally meaningful and specific connections within mature brain tissue, rather than merely surviving or forming unspecific contacts. This project addresses this gap by testing whether genetically engineered human neurons can be directed toward defined circuit elements in adult human cortical tissue and become functionally integrated into ongoing network activity.

The project builds on established expertise in electrophysiology, imaging, and human slice cultures in our lab and is embedded in a strong clinical and international research network.

Approach & Techniques

• Molecular engineering: design and cloning of artificial synaptic cell-adhesion molecules
• Cellular engineering: genetic modification of human induced stem cells and differentiation into neuronal cell types
• Human tissue model: preparation and maintenance of organotypic cortical slice cultures from neurosurgical specimens
• Structural analysis: quantitative microscopy (confocal and super-resolution) to assess neuronal morphology, polarity, and synaptic organization
• Functional analysis: electrophysiological and imaging-based assays (patch-clamp, multi-electrode arrays, calcium imaging) to probe intrinsic properties and network activity
• Circuit integration: transplantation of engineered neurons into human slice cultures to evaluate survival, targeting, and functional coupling

Your Role

• planning and performing experiments across cellular, imaging, and electrophysiological approaches
• contributing to the development and optimization of experimental methods
• developing automated analysis pipelines for electrophysiological and morphological data (Python)
• preparing high-quality scientific figures and contributing to manuscripts and publications
• presenting results at lab meetings, international conferences, and to collaborators
• working closely with clinical partners and international collaborators in a multidisciplinary setting

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in neuroscience, biomedical sciences, medicine, or a related discipline
• a strong interest in neuronal circuits and cellular neurobiology
• practical experience in at least one relevant area (electrophysiology, microscopy, neuronal cell culture, molecular biology)
• strong interest in acquiring expertise in the complementary techniques.
• a proactive, problem-solving mindset and ability to work independently
• excellent English communication skills
• Experience with acute brain slices, stem cells, or programming is advantageous but not required.
• willingness to work flexibly according to experimental demands and to engage in a dynamic, research project; this includes time-sensitive experimental workflows (e.g. long-term cell culture protocols) and adapting to the variable availability of human tissue
• ability to work respectfully and collaboratively in an international and diverse team environment

Research Environment

The project is embedded in the Medical Faculty of Johannes Kepler University Linz, a young and rapidly developing research environment established just over a decade ago. As a result, the infrastructure is state-of-the-art, with newly built laboratories, modern core facilities (including advanced confocal and super-resolution imaging), and a highly digitalized research and teaching ecosystem.

Basic research and clinical departments are closely integrated, enabling direct access to human tissue and fostering truly translational projects. Our institute is part of a growing neuroscience community with strong links to neurosurgery, neurology, and pathology, as well as emerging collaborations in data science and artificial intelligence, a strategic focus of the university.

The institute is located in the center of Linz, within walking distance of the historic old town and the Danube river. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene—including contemporary art, music, and theatre—as well as excellent access to outdoor recreation such as lakes, mountains, and vineyards. Linz is well connected, with its own airport and direct train connections to major European cities; Vienna can be reached in approximately 1.5 hours.

What We Offer

• a fully funded PhD position with structured supervision in a supportive and collaborative environment
• dedicated doctoral program providing training in scientific soft skills
• interdisciplinary training spanning molecular, cellular, and circuit neuroscience
• access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and unique human tissue-based model systems
• opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation
• strong support for career development and follow-up funding

Application Process

Please submit your

• CV
• motivation letter
• transcript of records
• contact details of 2 referees

Johannes Kepler University Linz

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. The university provides mentoring and career development support to promote long-term careers in science.