We at the Pollak Group (Medical University of Vienna; Daniela Pollak is an adjunct investigator at IMP and IMBA) are excited to welcome a motivated Master’s student to our team! Our research explores fascinating questions in behavioral neuroscience, topics ranging from maternal care, sexually dimorphic neuronal circuits, brain health and many more.
Project Overview
You will help explore how the brain adapts to social experiences, specifically in the context of providing maternal care: What happens inside the brain when caregiving behavior emerges purely through experience? In this project, we study how the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which is central to empathy, motivation, and decision-making, transforms at the molecular and cellular level as caregiving behavior takes shape.
You will be involved in
- Epigenetic analysis (ATAC-seq) to uncover chromatin accessibility changes
- Behavioral testing in mice to study social and maternal behaviors
- Wet-lab techniques for brain tissue processing and data collection
Requirements
- Basic knowledge of Python and/or R for data analysis
- Some background in bioinformatics
- Reliability, curiosity, and willingness to work with mice
- Can stay for longer period, up to a year
What we offer
- A paid position (at Geringfügigkeitsgrenze)
- Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in behavioral testing, molecular neuroscience, and next-generation sequencing analysis
- Supportive, collaborative research environment
How to Apply: Please send your CV, a short motivation statement, and availability to barbara.czuczu[at]meduniwien.ac.at