The Pollak Group (Medical University of Vienna; Daniela Pollak is an adjunct investigator at IMP and IMBA) is excited to welcome a motivated Master’s student to our team in a project exploring the neural circuitry underlying aggression and mating behavior in male mice. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated student with a strong interest in behavioral neuroscience and neurobiology. If you are eager to study complex social behaviors and uncover their cellular underpinnings in a dynamic and collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you.
The Lab
The Pollak Lab investigates the neural and molecular mechanisms regulating emotion, motivation, and behavior. Our research approach combines behavioral analyses, molecular, and neural tracing and modulation techniques to understand how specific brain circuits control social interactions and affective states. We use mouse models to study how experiences shape neuronal activity and how dysfunction in these circuits contributes to psychiatric disorders.
The Project
This project focuses on dissecting the neural circuitry of aggression and mating behavior in male mice. During this one-year Master’s project, the student will:
- Conduct and analyze behavioral experiments with mice.
- Assess brain activation at different time points following social encounters.
- Identify specific cellular populations associated with these behaviors using histological methods.
The Candidate
The candidate should bring the following:
- Experience in working with laboratory mice
- Familiarity with perfusion, brain cryosectioning, and immunostaining techniques.
We offer
- A paid position (at Geringfügigkeitsgrenze)
- Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in behavioral testing and molecular neuroscience techniques.
- Supportive, collaborative research environment
The application
Should include
- CV including previous research experience
- Motivation and reference letter
Application should be sent to: anna.gundacker[at]meduniwien.ac.at and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.