W2 Professorship "Biology of Neural Circuits"

Otto von Guericke Universität Magdeburg

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) is an internationally oriented and regionally networked university with a strong research profile. Our traditional focus areas in research and teaching are in engineering sciences, mathematics, computer sciences, natural sciences and medicine. Our economics, social sciences and humanities are indispensable and crucial disciplines in a modern university in the information society and contribute to our scientific diversity and interdisciplinarity. The Faculty of Natural Sciences at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) invites applications for the position of a

W2 Professorship “Biology of Neural Circuits”

to start 1st of March 2026 or as soon as possible. The professorship shall be focused on the formation and function of neuronal circuits of the brain and their contribution to behavioural control. The successful candidate is expected to competently teach both basic and in-depth classes in functional anatomy of the nervous system. He/she will furthermore use state-of-the-art methods of network analysis (e.g. viral tracing, optogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, 2- / 3-photon imaging) in the mammalian brain and connect these to a functional and anatomical examination of microcircuits. A clear, independent research profile with excellent publications (first / senior author) in internationally renowned specialist journals is expected. The main focus of research is expected to lie on the function of neural circuits and networks in the adult brain underlying control of behaviour.

The professorship is embedded within the central research cluster "Neurosciences" of the OVGU Magdeburg and the Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences comprising more than 100 principle investigators. Here, groups from various university faculties, the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases closely work together to elucidate basic neurobiological mechanisms of behaviour control and cognition, as well as associated pathologies and aging-related dysfunctions. The professorship is expected to actively contribute to neuroscientific collaborative projects and graduate schools on campus. With regards to teaching, a high level of commitment is expected in the English-taught BSc program “Biomedical Sciences” and MSc "Integrative Neuroscience".

We accompany newly appointed faculty members with appropriate development offers, and also assist in finding childcare options and provide support for dual-career couples. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is a signatory of the German Diversity Charter. We welcome your application, regardless of gender, cultural and social background, age or sexual orientation. Applications from severely disabled people or people with an equivalent impairment will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional expertise. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is committed to promoting gender equality across all professional fields. The Faculty of Natural Sciences is particularly striving to increase the representation of women among its professors and therefore expressly encourages qualified female candidates to apply.

Professorship (W2)
Employment is based on the preconditions for appointment according to § 35 (2, 3) of the Higher Education Act for the Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt (Hochschulgesetz Sachsen-Anhalt; HSG LSA).

For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Kristine Krug at phone +49(0)391/67-55067 or e-mail: kristine.krug@ovgu.de

Please note the information for storage of personal data:
https://www.uni-magdeburg.de/en/data_protection.html

Please send the usual application documents (curriculum vitae with academic career, list of publications, list of acquired funding, list of taught courses), as well as short and meaningful research and teaching concepts (max 4 pages total), in which your future plans and their integration at the Magdeburg campus are set out.

Please send your application in electronic form as a single pdf file no later than 15. September 2025 (date of receipt of application) to: neurocircuits@ovgu.de Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
Dekan der Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften
Herr Prof. Speck
oliver.speck@ovgu.de

http://www.ovgu.de/