Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) – Collaborative Research Center 1436

Third-party funding

The Collaborative Research Center 1436 invites applications for

4 Postdoctoral Research Positions (m/f/d)

at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg and the Otto von Guericke Magdeburg.

These positions are designed to support outstanding early-career scientists in developing an independent research profile within the broad scientific framework of CRC 1436. Successful candidates will pursue their own innovative research projects that complement and extend the existing research activities of the CRC 1436.

Appointments will be offered under a 3+3-year funding model at the Medical Faculty and Faculty of Natural Science, subject to successful CRC 1436 evaluation. The positions provide a unique opportunity to establish scientific independence while benefiting from the collaborative environment of one of Germany’s leading neuroscience community.

Research Environment

The successful candidates will be integrated into the vibrant research environment of CRC 1436, with the Otto von Guericke University, the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), and the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN). They are expected to develop an independent line of research that contributes to the scientific goals of the CRC 1436 while opening new perspectives for future collaborative projects.

A central objective of these positions is the preparation of the successful candidates for a future role as Early Career Researchers within the third funding phase of CRC 1436. Candidates are therefore expected to demonstrate scientific creativity, independence, and the potential to establish a competitive research program.

Within defined limits, successful applicants will receive access to research funds for consumables, travel, and other project-related expenses.

Available Positions:

• **Spatial Transcriptomics and Memory Circuits:**The project combines advanced neuroimaging, engram technologies, circuit manipulation approaches, and spatial transcriptomics to investigate how local cellular and neuronal network dynamics shape synaptic connectivity underlying memory consolidation. The successful candidate will have a strong background in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
• Brain Stimulation and Cognitive Aging: This project investigates how brain stimulation approaches can support cognitive reserve and brain maintenance in preclinical and clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Keywords: Brain stimulation, preclinical and clinical Alzheimer's disease, cognitive reserve, and brain maintenance
• Successful Cognitive Aging – SuperAger (OVGU): This project investigates a deeply phenotyped Aging and SuperAging cohort to identify molecular, structural, and functional mechanisms of successful cognitive aging by integrating longitudinal multimodal brain data and advanced multivariate neuroimaging methods to study brain resilience, reserve, and maintenance. Particular emphasis will be placed on sex/gender differences, inflammatory processes, and alterations in functional brain networks as key determinants of healthy cognitive aging and resilience to neurodegenerative disease. Keywords: analysis of longitudinal, multimodal brain data, experience with human brain imaging (e.g. PET, MRI), image analysis toolkits (e.g., SPM, FreeSurfer, FSL), and with modelling approaches
• **Autobiographical Memory Capture and Cognitive Intervention:**The fourth project investigates whether self-recorded everyday memories, rather than standardized lab stimuli, can serve as both diagnostic markers and personalized training material to support cognitive reserve in preclinical Alzheimer's disease, combining high-field functional MRI with smartphone-based digital cognitive assessment and digital intervention. Keywords: autobiographical memory, cognitive reserve, self-generated stimuli, event segmentation, high-field fMRI, smartphone-based digital assessment, memory training, preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

Candidate Profile:

Applicants should hold a PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree (no more than 3 years after Ph.D. – parental leave is taken into account) and have an outstanding track record relative to their career stage. We welcome applications from researchers whose expertise aligns with or complements the scientific objectives of CRC 1436. For more information, please visit www.sfb1436.de.

The appointees should demonstrate:

• Scientific excellence and originality
• Evidence of independent research achievements
• A clear vision for a competitive and innovative research program
• Strong motivation to contribute to a collaborative interdisciplinary research environment
• Potential to develop into future scientific leaders

What we offer:

• Independent postdoctoral research position within a highly visible Collaborative Research Centre
• Long-term career development perspective through 3+3 year funding models
• Access to excellent research infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaborations
• Integration into a vibrant community of neuroscience
• Mentoring and career development opportunities

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is committed to increasing the proportion of women in research and leadership positions. We particularly encourage qualified female researchers to apply. Applications from individuals with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal qualification.

For further questions, please contact Dr. Julia Rödiger (julia.roediger@med.ovgu.de)

Terms and Conditions:

• Salary: The salary group E 13 according to “ Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder.” awaits you.
• Appointment: The position is to be filled on a full-time basis starting August 1, 2026, for a fixed term of three years (with the possibility of extension for another three years upon successful application for the third funding period of SFB 1436).
• Application Deadline: 31.08.2026.

Your application:

Please send your application including CV, research profile/ research plan, list of publications including awards and grants, and contact information’s of three references.

online application

by E-Mail:

bewerbung@med.ovgu.de - (Reference number: 531-2026)

by Post:

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Faculty of Medicine

Personnel Division - Recruiting

Reference number: 531-2026

Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg

If you have an international vocational or academic qualification*, your application must be accompanied by a certificate evaluation from the* Central Office for Foreign Education (KMK)**. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you will need to apply for one if your application is successful.

The Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It therefore encourages women with according qualifications to apply. Applications from persons with a certified serious disability will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification