Job Description

Third-party funding

The Faculty of Medicine is an integral part of the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg and cooperates with the Magdeburg University Hospital A.ö.R. in research, teaching and patient care. The latest findings in medical research and state-of-the-art equipment are used in diagnostic procedures and patient care. The main research foci of the faculty are "Immunology” including “Molecular Medicine of Inflammation" and "Neurosciences".



The

Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology

at

Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg

, Germany, is seeking a highly motivated

Ph.D. candidate (f/m/d)

to join

a research project investigating the interplay between cognitive flexibility and uncertainty in laboratory mice

. The project is led by the PIs Daniela Dieterich, Markus Fendt, and Thomas Nickl-Jockschat and is part of the Halle–Jena–Magdeburg site of the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), within the Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive Brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C). For further information about the project and C-I-R-C, please contact Markus Fendt markus.fendt@med.ovgu.de or visit https://c-i-r-c.de



The successful candidate should have a strong interest in the neural basis of neuropsychiatric disorders and the factors affecting susceptibility and resilience, as well as a solid practical background in neurobiology. Experience in behavioral neuroscience — such as animal paradigms of emotion, executive functions, operant conditioning, and/or methods to assess brain activity or connectivity — is desirable and preferably documented by publications. In addition, a willingness to learn script-based configuration of experimental protocols and analysis of experimental data is expected. Experience in stereotaxic surgery and/or a certificate in laboratory animal science (Function A or FELASA B) is an advantage. Fluency in English and the ability to work in an international research environment are required.



We offer working in a multidisciplinary and international team, with a research focus on the neuropharmacological basis of cognition and emotions. Our institute is located on the university hospital campus with several world-leading research centers and institutes, including the SFB 1436 and the Center of Behavioral Brain Research (CBBS).



The position (TVL E13 65%) will become available in July 2026 and needs to be filled as soon as possible. The position is limited until August 2030.



To apply for this position, please send a single PDF file with a cover letter describing your past research activities, research interest, and motivation to join our team, CV and publication list, and the name/contact information of two references.


###

Your application:

We look forward to receiving your application

by 28.02.2026

(application deadline). Apply now via our application portal:


###

online application

###

by E-Mail:

bewerbung@med.ovgu.de - (Reference number: 140-2026)


###

by Post:

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Faculty of Medicine

Personnel Division - Recruiting

Reference number: 140-2026

Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg


The Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It therefore encourages women with according qualifications to apply. Applications from persons with a certified serious disability will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification.