Research Environment

The Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, was founded in 2008 with the aim to understand fundamental mechanisms of healthy ageing in various model systems. The institute is part of a network of research institutions in the Cologne-Bonn area dedicated to research on ageing and age-related disease, constituting a vibrant and collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities for research. Currently we host >300 employees from >30 different nations.

Immunological and Epigenetic Mechanisms of Brain Ageing
The Schaefer lab „Neurobiology of Ageing“ at the MPI for Biology of Ageing in Cologne investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain aging. Our research focuses on three major areas: 1) the role of microglia, the innate immune cells of the CNS, in neuron function, longevity and neurodegeneration, 2) the mechanism of energy expenditure by neurons and its role in neuron longevity, 3) the impact of peripheral virus infection and inflammatory conditions on brain function and aging.

Your tasks

We seek highly motivated, talented scientists, especially those who are interested in using mouse genetics, cellular and molecular biology as well as brain imaging approaches and behavior analysis to work on the problem of neuronal longevity and brain aging.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will hold a M.D/Ph.D. in a relevant research area such as molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, genetics, biochemistry and has a strong track record of accomplishment. Prior experience with mouse biology, imaging, bioinformatics and neuroscience would be welcome, but are not required. The applicant should have a keen interest in neurobiology and gene regulation. The working language is English; knowledge of German is not required.

Our offer

The employment contract will be based on contracts for the civil service (TVöD-Bund, Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst) and will initially be time limited. The Max Planck Society is committed to employ more disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply. We also seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and particularly encourage them to apply. In addition we offer a discounted job
ticket for the VRS (regional transport) and counselling on family services and kindergarten contingents.

Are you interested?

Then please upload your complete application documents, containing a one-page letter with a personal statement describing your scientific accomplishments and your interests in our laboratory, your CV and bibliography, as well as contact information for 3 references, in electronic form as one single pdf-file via our online application platform https://www.age.mpg.de/career-education/open-positions/.
Informal inquiries are welcome and should be sent to recruitment-as@age.mpg.de. For further information about the Institute and the Schaefer department please see https://www.age.mpg.de.