Postdoctoral Researcher in Circuit Neuroscience (Thalamic Circuits)

About the role

One or two postdoctoral positions in the Thalamic Circuits laboratory of Associate Professor Dr. Fiona Muellner at the Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE, Nordic EMBL Partnership) and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University. The lab investigates how visual information is processed in the thalamus and how the brain actively shapes this signal. Funding comes from a European Research Council (ERC) project and the Lundbeck Foundation. Initial appointment is one year, renewable; start date from 1 September 2026 or as agreed. Deadline: 14 June 2026.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in vivo two-photon calcium imaging experiments in awake mice performing visual discrimination tasks.
• Apply advanced viral tracing strategies (intersectional tools, retrograde viruses) to dissect thalamic circuit connectivity.
• Perform single-cell manipulation experiments including optogenetics and chemogenetics in vivo.
• Carry out in vivo electrophysiology recordings to characterize neuronal population dynamics.
• Contribute to computational modelling of thalamic circuit function.
• Supervise PhD and Master’s students; contribute to the lab’s daily scientific operations.

Requirements

• PhD in neuroscience, physiology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with in vivo two-photon imaging or in vivo electrophysiology in rodents.
• Strong knowledge of mouse surgery and stereotaxic injection techniques.
• Proficient data analysis skills; Python or MATLAB experience required.
• Excellent English, written and spoken.

Nice to have

• Experience with visual system neuroscience or sensory circuit studies.
• Background in viral vector design (AAV, retro-AAV, lentivirus) for circuit tracing.
• Prior postdoctoral experience or a strong first-author publication in a top neuroscience journal.

How to apply

Apply via the Aarhus University online portal at the link above by 14 June 2026. Submit: cover letter (max 1 page) explaining your motivation and relevant experience, CV with full publication list, copies of degree certificates, and the names and email addresses of two referees. Contact fiona.muellner@dandrite.au.dk for scientific queries before applying.