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Researcher / Scientist
Tenure-based Research Staff Scientist Position in “in vivo Optophysiology” Full-time
- Full Time (40 h/w) – Limited for 5 years (permanent contract possible after tenure-like evaluation)
- > € 81,000* gross/year
- Application Deadline: Evaluation of applications starts March 15th, 2026 until filled
Understanding the function of the brain is a central challenge to life sciences. Key to addressing this question is quantitative analysis of large populations of neurons in vivo, in awake behaving animals. Calcium imaging from ensembles of genetically-defined neuron populations and in vivo electrophysiology that allows for precise temporal resolution, are key techniques that provide an insight into how the brain stores, process and retrieves information. More recently, implementation of the combination of these techniques allows analysis neuronal coding with highest possible temporal and spatial resolution.
AT ISTA, we pursue a broad range of studies in electrophysiology (Jonas, Csicsvari, and Shigemoto) and imaging (Joesch, Danzl and Douglass), in both in vitro slice preparations and in awake, behaving rodents. However, implementing new technologies in this dynamic field has been difficult, and combining electrophysiology with imaging in life animals is currently impossible within individual research groups. A dedicated in vivo optophysiology scientist is therefore essential to bridge the expertise of the research groups on campus and to enable cutting-edge collaborative research at ISTA.
We therefore seek an exceptional expert in rodent in vivo calcium imaging or electrophysiology at a senior/lead research scientist level who enjoys working across topics and will:
- Conduct independent research in quantitative analysis of neural activity.
- Collaborate with research groups to implement new imaging or electrophysiology technologies, interpret experimental results and guide the development of computational analysis pipelines.
- Collaborate with research groups to bring projects to completion, including preparation of manuscripts for publication and presentations at scientific conferences.
- Train the next generation of scientists in optical methods, electrophysiology and analysis of in vivo data sets (graduate-school level).
Staff Scientists at ISTA (www.ista.ac.at) pursue collaborative projects on fundamental research questions raised across different research groups on campus, providing advanced scientific and technical expertise absent within research groups, which advances the research outcome to the next level. This position requires high independence and facilitates interaction between research groups, the Preclinical and Imaging & Optics Facilities at ISTA. 25% of the time is allocated to pursuing own research interests. The position is initially limited to 5 years and is evaluated in a tenure-based system on the research output based on the scientific contribution to the research groups and co-authorships of scientific publications.
Your Profile
- PhD and postdoctoral experience in Neuroscience or related areas in a high-level research environment
- Broad experience in in vivo recording techniques in awake behaving rodents (head-fixed or freely moving)
- Specific experience in either two-photon imaging or in vivo electrophysiology
- Quantitative data analysis
- Ability to independently drive research
- Proficient in English, the working language at ISTA, and exceptional communication skills
- Proven scientific track-record (e.g. publications in high-impact journals)
- Service orientation
- Interest in interdisciplinary projects
- Multi-project management skills and a team-oriented mindset are essential for this role.
Roles and responsibilities include: Developing in vivo experiments with PIs, performing experiments with students and postdocs, analysis of imaging and electrophysiology data, contribution to scientific publications.
Please submit your application online at [Please click the Apply button for the link or address]
* This position comes with possible overpayment depending on education, qualification and work experience.
ISTA processes your personal data in accordance with the law. For more information, please refer to www.ista.ac.at/data-protection.
ISTA is growing. Grow with us!
Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is a constantly growing international institute for conducting frontier research in mathematics, computer science, life sciences & physical sciences. We strive to recruit passionate professionals from across the world over all fields who support our goal of excellent research. Located within a beautiful campus on the outskirts of Vienna, we offer multiple opportunities for personal growth in a stable working environment. Get an insight!
ISTA promotes a diverse and inclusive working environment and is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, free of discrimination. All employment decisions at ISTA are based on job requirements, qualifications, merit and organizational needs. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
Your benefits
- Education & training
- Cafeteria
- Childcare
- Free shuttle bus
- Multiple health offers
- Pension insurance