University Magdeburg 21 PhD Student Positions in an International Graduate School on Neuroscience and Immunology

The international Graduate school ABINEP is funded by the Ministery for Economics, Science, and Digitization of the State Saxony-Anhalt, and by the European Fonds for Social and Regional Development (EFRE, ESF). We are seeking excellent candidates for

21 PhD Student Positions in an International Graduate School on Neuroscience and Immunology

Goals: The international Graduate school on Analysis, Imaging, and Modelling of Neuronal and Inflammatory Processes (ABINEP) is based on the internationally recognized research foci in Neurosciences and Immunology of the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg (OVGU). ABINEP aims at fostering cutting edge research projects in rising sub-disciplines of these research areas, which are currently supported by several German Research foundation (DFG)- and European Community (EU)-funded collaborative projects in Magdeburg (including the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centers SFBs 779 and 854 and associated graduate schools, as well as DFG TRs 31 and 62). To further strengthen the international interconnection of these research foci ABINEP aims at educating excellent international PhD student candidates in either of the 4 ABINEP topical modules:

1) Neuroinflammation: Inflammatory processes in neurodegeneration (5 stipends)

2) Neurophysiology and Computational Modelling of Neuronal Networks (5 stipends)

3) Immunosenescence: Infection and immunity in the context of aging (6 stipends)

4) Human Brain Imaging for diagnosing neurocognitive disorders (5 stipends) (Please assign your application clearly to one of these modules)

Research within the school focuses on the broadly interconnected interface between neuroscience and immunology and includes studies at the molecular, cellular and systemic level. Technological platforms that will be used range from advanced molecular biology approaches, electrophysiology, live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy at cellular levels up to brain imaging approaches in clinical human research.  

What we offer: Successful applicants will acquire a strong foundation in interdisciplinary work (Neuroscience and Immunology) by attending a teaching program organized by ABINEP and the SFB associated research schools. The teaching program will allow students to explore research methods and topics to which they have not been exposed previously.

In addition, all ABINEP PhD students will have access to soft skill courses (e.g. on modern presentation techniques, efficient paper and grant writing) and networking platforms provided by the Otto-von-Guericke Graduate School (OVG-GS) which serves as the umbrella organization for all structured PhD programs at the OVGU. ABINEP aims to foster individualized training activities by providing travel grants/short-term fellowships that cover the attendance of conferences and external lab visits with the prospect of acquiring technological skills that might not be available in Magdeburg. Students meet with leading international researchers via the school's Distinguished Lecture Series in Magdeburg, which facilitates interactions with the senior visiting faculty. APINEP PhD students are expected to organize interdisciplinary retreats to which external keynote speakers will be invited. A major emphasis will be on informal discussions of work in progress. In sum, APINEP intends to provide excellent doctoral students with key qualifications that are not only considered crucial for the success of their projects but will also support their future career in life sciences. Each doctoral candidate will be assigned to two professorial advisers - to maximize the interdisciplinary impact and the quality of supervision of their work.

What we expect: Candidates interested to apply must hold a Master degree (grade: excellent or with distinction) in disciplines related to: Neuroscience, Immunology, Medicine, Physiology or Biochemistry. Only applicants with a proven education in animal or human experimental research will be considered. Please submit your application via email to: abinep@ovgu.de Your application must contain in a single PDF file:

- a structured CV, covering all personal and educational information

- Transcripts and certificates of your Bachelor and Master program courses

- a short letter of motivation (not more than one page)

- contact details of 3 faculty members willing to provide letters of recommendation for you

More Info:

http://www.grs.ovgu.de/grs_media/Ausschreibungen/ABINEP_scholarships.pdf