Postdoctoral Position in Systems Neuroscience – Sleep-Wake Regulation
Position: Post-doctoral Position
Deadline: 15 September 2025
Employment Start Date: 1 November 2025
City: Innsbruck
Country: Austria
Institution: Medical University of Innsbruck
Department: Institute for Pharmacology
Description:
We are looking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our lab at the Medical University of Innsbruck for a fully funded 2-year position, as part of the FWF-funded project “The role of subiculum in sleep-wake regulation.”
The postdoc will focus on the role of specific neuronal subtypes in the mouse subiculum in regulating sleep-wake states. Using advanced in vivo approaches—including fiber photometry, closed-loop optogenetics, multisite electrophysiological recordings (ECoG, EMG, LFP), and sleep deprivation paradigms—the candidate will investigate how these neuronal populations and their long-range projections influence sleep-wake transitions and brain oscillations.
Key responsibilities:
* Conduct LFP-based closed-loop optogenetic experiments in freely moving mice
* Analyze multimodal neural signals and sleep architecture
* Apply intersectional viral strategies to dissect neuronal subpopulations
* Contribute to manuscript preparation and dissemination of results
Requirements:
* PhD in neuroscience or a related field
* Experience with optogenetics and/or fiber photometry is a strong plus
* Proficiency in stereotaxic surgery, including viral vector injections and cannula/electrode implantation
* Proficiency in conducting behavioral tests
* Strong data analysis skills (preferably with MATLAB)
* A team-oriented mindset with independent scientific thinking
The position offers an excellent opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, with active collaborations in Austria, Germany, Japan, and the USA, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and international mentorship. The experimental timeline includes dedicated time for the postdoc to develop and write their own grant applications. There is strong institutional support and a collaborative environment to help postdocs secure their own funding.
Start date: 01.11.2025
Location: Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
Salary: According to FWF standards
To apply, please send a single PDF containing your CV, cover letter, and contact information for two referees to:
sadegh.rahimi@i-med.ac.at
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