323/2024 Postdoctoral Scientist

Vacancy Notice 323/2024
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) is an internationally oriented and regionally networked university with a strong research profile.
The Chair of Sensory Physiology (Prof. K. Krug - Heisenberg Professorship) of the Faculty of Natural Sciences seeks to fill the following vacancy:
Postdoctoral Scientist (M/F/d) in cortical-subcortical network interactions
**Salary scale**:
13 TV-L
**Date commencing**:
01.11.2024
**Fixed term (until)**:
2 years
**Contract status**:
100 %
We are a university with a focus on engineering and natural sciences as well as economics, human sciences and medicine. We offer excellent study and working conditions to 13,000 students from Germany and abroad as well as approx. 3,000 employees.
The Sensory Physiology group at OVGU Magdeburg, led by Prof. Kristine Krug, investigates, together with Senior Prof. Andrew Parker, the neural basis of perceptual decision-making in primates. Our international research group seeks to establish the direct contribution of neuronal signals and circuits to cognition in Rhesus monkeys and humans. Our methods include cellular neurophysiology, high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 7T and cutting-edge brain stimulation methods.
As part of the LOOPS priority programme funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation), we seek a postdoctoral scientist to investigate the role of thalamo-cortical circuits in computing and calibrating the organization of 3-D visual space. The project will investigate how signals from the pulvinar nuclei influence cortical perceptual processes, using high-density in vivo neurophysiological recordings and causal intervention methods, specifically focused transcranial ultrasound and chemogenetics.
**Tasks of the postdoctoral scientist**:

- to test the role of pulvinar-cortical interactions in binocular visual processing, using dual recording in the pulvinar nuclei and visual cortical areas
- to test the consequences of temporary, reversible inactivation of pulvinar sites using non-invasive exposure to transcranial ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) and chemical inactivation by DREADDs, guided by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging
- to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team and across the LOOPS network throughout Germany
- to take responsibility for research progress and research reporting, presentations at scientific meetings etc.
- to contribute to the development of methodology, the conduct of animal experiments and the fostering of collaborations

**Requirements for the position**:

- master's degree and a Ph.D. in neuroscience, medicine, or another natural science and a strong quantitative background
- experience in mammalian behaviour and neurophysiology
- experience in computational modelling or programming, e.g. with MATLAB or Python, and in statistical methods
- excellent language skills in English (German language skills are welcome but not essential)
- confidence and motivation to develop methodology and drive research projects forward

This is a fixed term post, initially for two years, but can be potentially extended. If you have questions about the advertised position, please contact Prof. Kristine Krug (kristine.krug(at)ovgu.de or 0391 67 55067) or Prof. Andrew Parker (andrew.parker(at)ovgu.de).
For further information about the research group, please see.
You will benefit from our structures and offerings in the fields of sustainability, diversity, family support and staff development. Our location in the center of a thriving, lively and family-friendly state capital guarantees a high quality of life and a wide range of leisure activities. For more information, please visit.
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