PhD student in Neuroscience (Effects of Virtual Reality on Neural Activity and Behavior)

to join our interdisciplinary research team.

Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and central funds of the University of Freiburg, the project will investigate how the brain represents and processes information in virtual versus real-world environments . Using mice performing behavioral tasks in both settings, we will examine whether animals can transfer learned information between virtual and real environments and whether the two contexts lead to differences in neuronal activity and population dynamics.

The scientific question Do the neural representations formed in virtual environments resemble those formed during real-world experience—and can knowledge acquired in one environment be used in the other?

Your Research You will work on an interdisciplinary project combining rodent behavior, virtual reality, two- photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, and computational data analysis.

Your tasks will include

• Designing and conducting behavioral experiments with mice in virtual and real

environments

• Performing two-photon calcium imaging of neuronal activity
• Applying holographic optogenetics to selectively manipulate neuronal populations

(see Ammer et al., 2024)

• Contributing to the design and development of a novel two-photon miniscope
• Characterizing and validating the newly developed miniscope in vivo
• Analyzing and modelling the resulting behavioural and neural data
• Contributing to the interpretation and publication of the findings

The position is 65% TV-L , funded for three years , with the possibility of extension.

Your Profile

We are looking for a candidate with a background in neuroscience, neurobiology, computational neuroscience, or a related field who is excited about combining experimental and quantitative approaches.

Essential qualifications

• A university degree (Master's or equivalent) in neuroscience, neurobiology, biology,

biomedical sciences, or a related discipline

• Experience with or a strong interest in neuroscience and animal behavior
• Good programming skills, preferably Python
• Basic knowledge of statistics and quantitative data analysis
• Ability to work independently while contributing actively to a collaborative research

team

• Motivation to learn and apply advanced experimental and computational methods

Experience with FELASA-certified laboratory animal training is an advantage but not essential and can be acquired during the project, where applicable.

Additional skills that would be advantageous

• Experience with rodent behavioural training and/or in vivo experiments
• Calcium imaging and/or optogenetics
• Arduino or other microcontroller-based systems
• Basic electronics and circuit design
• Machine learn ing or computational neuroscience

You do not need to have experience in all of these areas. Curiosity, scientific independence, and the motivation to learn new techniques are more important.

Why Join Us?

You will join the  Optophysiology Lab , led by Prof. Ilka Diester , at IMBIT, a state-of-the-art research center at the University of Freiburg. Our international team investigates cognitive motor control and the neural mechanisms underlying flexible behavior, combining behavioral neuroscience with cutting-edge technologies including optogenetics, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and computational approaches.

The project is embedded in an interdisciplinary collaboration with:

• Prof. Caglar Ataman , an expert in endoscopy, microsystems, and bioelectronics
• Prof. Marlene Bartos , an expert in neuronal calcium imaging and rodent

neuroscience

This collaboration provides a unique opportunity to work at the interface of systems neuroscience, neurotechnology, and microsystems engineering, while interacting with a peer group of early-career researchers working on related projects.

We offer

• A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
• Training in advanced behavioral, imaging, and optogenetic techniques
• Opportunities to present your work at international conferences
• Support for scientific and career development
• Close interaction with the PI and experienced researchers in the lab
• An international and stimulating scientific environment at IMBIT

Living in Freiburg

The  University of Freiburg is one of Germany's leading research universities. Freiburg is located between the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley and offers an international and vibrant academic environment, excellent public transport, and outstanding opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, climbing, and skiing.

How to Apply

Please submit your application including:

• A motivation letter describing your interest in the project
• CV
• Copies of relevant degree certificates and transcripts
• Contact details of two potential referees

Applications should be submitted by October 31, 2026 to sekretariat.diester- lab@biologie.uni-freiburg.de .

For informal inquiries about the position or the research project, please contact Prof. Ilka Diester (ilka.diester@biologie.uni-freiburg.de) .