PhD Student (m/f/d) (TV-L 13, 75 %)

In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.8725 hours/week = 75%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a

PhD Student (m/f/d) (TV-L 13, 75 %)

The SFB 1280 studies the neural, behavioral, optogenetic, and clinical mechanisms of extinction learning in various species, including humans. In our project, we investigate the neural fundaments of extinction learning in pigeons. Recent findings identified violations of reward-predictions as the driving force of extinction learning and related relapse phenomena. To understand the underlying neural mechanisms and relationships within the extinction network, the applicant will record from the fronto- striatal circuity of the pigeon brain while the animals perform an appetitive extinction-learning task. In-vivo neurophysiological recordings combined with optogenetics and behavioral analyses will be the main approaches of this project. In our lab, we offer excellent scientific conditions and an extremely friendly and cooperative research environment. Further, its embeddedness in the CRC “Extinction learning“ guarantees that this project is associated with a highly cooperative
team of research groups.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.

• Techniques that will be relevant are in-vivo multi-channel electrophysiological recordings, behavioral experiments and state-of-the-art neural data analysis.

• We are looking for a highly skilled and enthusiastic PhD student with a background in behavioral neurobiology and neural data science.