Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Magdeburg

The Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN) is an internationally recognized neuroscientific research institute and dedicated to the research on learning and memory. Our research comprises all organizational levels of the brain – from molecular and cellular processes to complex neuronal networks and behavior.

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. To achieve this goal, we are looking for you, a highly motivated

Post-doctoral fellow (f/m/d) "Systems neuroscience and neuroimaging”

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 December 31, 2030. The earliest possible starting date is January 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 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 in the project will be to investigate by means of in vivo two-photon imaging in behaving fish how sleep deprivation affects brain–heart interactions and stress.

You will work at the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (Zwaka lab). You will be part of a multidisciplinary, international, and dedicated project group that offers you a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional skill development. Magdeburg offers excellent opportunities for cognitive and systems neuroscientific research, including a vibrant and growing in vivo two-photon imaging community, as well as an excellent, multidisciplinary scientific environment. We are also a partner lab at Harvard, which allows for an exchange internship at Harvard.

We offer an interesting position with a high potential for individual development and possibility to learn new techniques.

Your profile:

• Completed doctoral degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical engineering, Physics, Life science, or a related field
• Solid background in neurobiology
• Strong interest in studies on sleep in model organisms such as zebrafish
• Familiarity with statistics and programing experience with Python
• Previous experience with neuroimaging is advantageous but not required
• Lab experience is a plus
• Willingness to work directly with animal models

How to apply?

Please send your completed application documents, if possible as a single-PDF file, comprising

• a motivation letter (i) describing your laboratory experiences, (ii) explaining why you are a good to fit the project and (iii) discussing briefly one past publication of the Zwaka lab,
• CV including a list of publications,
• copies of relevant certificates of academic degrees and
• in addition, arrange two reference letters to be sent separately stating the reference number LIN 2025/18

to bewerbung(at)lin-magdeburg.de. 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.

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.