Postdoctoral Researchers: Transcriptomics, Memory, Superagers, CST

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg seeks four Postdoctoral Researchers in memory, ageing, Alzheimer’s, brain stimulation and neuroimaging.

Postdoctoral Researchers – CRC 1436 (Four Posts) – Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is recruiting four postdoctoral researchers to join Collaborative Research Center 1436 (CRC 1436).

These positions will support outstanding early-career scientists in establishing an independent research profile within the broad scientific framework of CRC 1436. Successful applicants will develop innovative projects that complement and extend the Centre’s existing neuroscience research.

Available projects

Spatial Transcriptomics and Memory Circuits

This project combines advanced neuroimaging, engram technologies, circuit manipulation and spatial transcriptomics to investigate how local cellular and neuronal network dynamics shape the synaptic connectivity underlying memory consolidation.

Applicants should have a strong background in molecular and cellular neuroscience.

Brain Stimulation and Cognitive Ageing

This project will investigate how brain stimulation approaches could support cognitive reserve and brain maintenance during the preclinical and clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Relevant expertise includes brain stimulation, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive reserve and brain maintenance.

Successful Cognitive Ageing – SuperAgers

This project will use data from a deeply phenotyped ageing and SuperAger cohort to identify the molecular, structural and functional mechanisms associated with successful cognitive ageing.

The researcher will integrate longitudinal, multimodal brain data and advanced multivariate neuroimaging methods to study brain resilience, reserve and maintenance. Particular attention will be given to sex and gender differences, inflammatory processes and changes in functional brain networks.

Applicants should have experience in:

• Analysing longitudinal, multimodal brain data
• Human brain imaging, including PET or MRI
• Image-analysis software such as SPM, FreeSurfer or FSL
• Statistical or computational modelling

Autobiographical Memory Capture and Cognitive Intervention

This project will investigate whether self-recorded everyday memories can serve as diagnostic markers and personalised training materials to support cognitive reserve in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.

The research will combine high-field functional MRI with smartphone-based cognitive assessment and digital interventions.

Relevant expertise includes autobiographical memory, cognitive reserve, self-generated stimuli, event segmentation, high-field fMRI, smartphone-based assessment, memory training and preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.

Research environment

Successful applicants will join the collaborative research environment of CRC 1436, working alongside researchers from:

• Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
• The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)
• The Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN)

Researchers will be expected to establish an independent line of work that contributes to the scientific objectives of CRC 1436 while creating opportunities for future collaborative projects.

A central aim of the positions is to prepare successful applicants to become Early Career Researchers during the third funding phase of CRC 1436. Funding will also be available, within agreed limits, for research consumables, travel and other project-related expenses.

Candidate requirements

Applicants should:

• Hold a PhD, MD/PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification
• Be no more than three years beyond completion of their doctorate, with parental leave taken into account
• Have an outstanding research record relative to their career stage
• Demonstrate scientific excellence, creativity and originality
• Provide evidence of independent research achievements
• Present a clear vision for a competitive and innovative research programme
• Be strongly motivated to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment
• Show the potential to become a future scientific leader

Applications are welcomed from researchers whose expertise aligns with or complements the scientific objectives of CRC 1436.

What is offered

• An independent postdoctoral position within a highly visible Collaborative Research Center
• A three-year appointment, with the possibility of a further three years subject to successful evaluation and funding
• Access to excellent research facilities and interdisciplinary collaborations
• Integration into an active neuroscience research community
• Mentoring and career development support
• Access to project funding for consumables, travel and related research expenses

Appointment details

• Location: Magdeburg, Germany
• Employer: Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
• Faculties: Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Natural Sciences
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Salary: Grade E13 under the German public-sector collective agreement for federal states
• Proposed start date: 1 August 2026
• Initial duration: Three years
• Potential extension: A further three years, subject to successful funding for the third phase of CRC 1436
• Application deadline: 31 August 2026
• Reference number: 531-2026

How to apply

Applications should include:

• A curriculum vitae
• A research profile and proposed research plan
• A list of publications, awards and grants
• Contact details for three referees

Applications may be submitted through the university’s online application system, by email through the official vacancy page, or by post to:

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
Faculty of Medicine
Personnel Division – Recruiting
Reference number: 531-2026
Leipziger Str. 44
39120 Magdeburg
Germany

For further information about the positions, contact Dr Julia Rödiger.

Applicants with an international vocational or academic qualification must provide a certificate evaluation from the German Central Office for Foreign Education. Applicants who do not yet have this evaluation will be required to obtain one if their application is successful.

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants with a certified severe disability will receive preferential consideration where suitability and qualifications are equal.