• Neurosciences

Art der Stelle

PhD Student (m/f/d) | Neural Information Flow and Genetics of Behavior

Stellenangebot vom 16.05.2025

The Max-Planck-Institute for Neurobiology of Behaviour – caesar (MPINB) is a neuroethology institute located in Bonn that studies how the collective activity of the vast numbers of interconnected neurons in the brain gives rise to the plethora of animal behaviors. Our research spans a large range of scales from the nano-scale imaging of brain circuitry, to large-scale functional imaging of brain circuitry during behavior, to the quantification of natural animal behaviors.

We are looking for a PhD student (m/f/d) to work on a joint project between the Neural Information Flow (Scholz) and Genetics of Behavior (Lightfoot) groups. Using a comparative approach, we aim to understand how evolution has adapted existing behaviors and invented novel ones through alterations of the underlying neuronal circuits. Based on our recent work in identifying the neuronal circuits underlying predatory aggression, we are now expanding our focus onto functional imaging (whole-brain and single neuron) and behavior. The position would involve a combination of wet lab and computational work, and be situated in both research groups.

The contract will be initially limited for three years.

The Project

You will explore the action sequences coordinating predator-prey interactions between the nematode Pristionchus pacificus and its prey. You will use tracking microscopy to obtain high resolution behavioural data of predator-prey contacts to understand decision making underlaying aggressive predatory biting. Using data-driven modelling, you will compare these dynamics to investigate prey choice and reward signalling.

Your qualifications

• A masters degree in neuroscience, physics, evolution and ecology, or related quantitative fields.
• Prior experience with Python or Matlab, and a willingness to learn analysis tools.
• Excited about combining experiments with computational analysis.
• Interest developing new methods and analysis tools for emerging model systems.

What we offer

• A cutting-edge research environment
• Pleasant working atmosphere and a multidisciplinary, international team
• Salary in line with the Max Planck regulations
• Employee benefits (additional to 30 days of holiday two more days off at Christmas eve and New Year's eve, subsidised job ticket), a family-friendly culture, and flexible working hours

MPINB is committed promoting equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation. We are aiming to increase the percentage of women in areas where they are under-represented. We therefore explicitly encourage women to apply. Handicapped persons with comparable qualifications receive preferential status.

Application

Please upload your CV, and a letter of motivation to our application portal.

If you have any further questions, please contact both:

Monika Scholz, monika.scholz@mpinb.mpg.de / Dr. James Lightfoot, james.lightfoot@mpinb.mpg.de