Biologist (PhD Student) | Biologe (m/w/d)
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt
Job Summary
This PhD student position, available for four years starting October 1st, 2025, at Goethe University Frankfurt, focuses on dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The successful candidate will investigate the interplay of locomotion, food-motivated behavior, and feeding, utilizing and establishing novel optogenetic and imaging tools. This role involves cutting-edge research into how neuromodulators like serotonin and dopamine interact within the C. elegans nervous system, specifically exploring G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and transmitter release mechanisms. It's an exciting opportunity to contribute to basic neurobiology research within a collaborative DFG-funded project, applying molecular biology, advanced imaging, and behavioral analysis techniques to unravel complex neural pathways.
Required Skills
Education
Master's degree in Natural Sciences (preferably Biochemistry or Biology), PhD (required for position)
Experience
- Experience in analyzing neuron activity using imaging methods
- Advanced theoretical and practical experience in fluorescence microscopy
- Advanced theoretical and practical experience in the design of sensor and actuator proteins
- Advanced theoretical and practical experience in molecular biology
- Knowledge of handling the nematode C. elegans (preferable)
- Skills in generating scripts with Matlab and MicroManager (helpful)
- Programming skills in Python (helpful)
Languages
Additional
- Enthusiasm for basic research