Ph.D position – “Effects of Virtual Reality on Neural Activity and Behavior”

The Optophysiology Group at the Institute for Machine-Brain Interfacing Technology (IMBIT), University of Freiburg, is seeking a highly motivated PhD student in Neuroscience (Effects of Virtual Reality on Neural Activity and Behavior)

• Application deadline: 31. October 2026
• Publication date: 21. September 2026
• Start-date: At the earliest possible date.
• Scope of work: Part-time position (65 %)
• Id no.: 00005198

Description

to join our interdisciplinary research team.

Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and central funds of the University of 
Freiburg, the project will investigate how the brain represents and processes information in 
virtual versus real-world environments. Using mice performing behavioral tasks in both 
settings, we will examine whether animals can transfer learned information between virtual 
and real environments and whether the two contexts lead to differences in neuronal activity 
and population dynamics. 

The scientific question 
Do the neural representations formed in virtual environments resemble those formed during 
real-world experience—and can knowledge acquired in one environment be used in the 
other? 

Your Research 
You will work on an interdisciplinary project combining rodent behavior, virtual reality, two-
photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, and computational data analysis. 

Your tasks will include: 
• Designing and conducting behavioral experiments with mice in virtual and real 
environments 
• Performing two-photon calcium imaging of neuronal activity 
• Applying holographic optogenetics to selectively manipulate neuronal populations 
(see Ammer et al., 2024) 
• Contributing to the design and development of a novel two-photon miniscope 
• Characterizing and validating the newly developed miniscope in vivo 
• Analyzing and modelling the resulting behavioural and neural data 
• Contributing to the interpretation and publication of the findings 

The position is 65% TV-L, funded for three years, with the possibility of extension. 

Your Profile 

We are looking for a candidate with a background in neuroscience, neurobiology, 
computational neuroscience, or a related field who is excited about combining 
experimental and quantitative approaches. 

Essential qualifications:
• A university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in neuroscience, neurobiology, biology, 
biomedical sciences, or a related discipline 
• Experience with or a strong interest in neuroscience and animal behavior 
• Good programming skills, preferably Python 
• Basic knowledge of statistics and quantitative data analysis 
• Ability to work independently while contributing actively to a collaborative research 
team 
• Motivation to learn and apply advanced experimental and computational methods 

Experience with FELASA-certified laboratory animal training is an advantage but not 
essential and can be acquired during the project, where applicable. 

Additional skills that would be advantageous:
• Experience with rodent behavioural training and/or in vivo experiments 
• Calcium imaging and/or optogenetics 
• Arduino or other microcontroller-based systems 
• Basic electronics and circuit design 
• Machine learning or computational neuroscience 

You do not need to have experience in all of these areas. Curiosity, scientific 
independence, and the motivation to learn new techniques are more important. 

Why Join Us? 

You will join the Optophysiology Lab, led by Prof. Ilka Diester, at IMBIT, a state-of-the-art 
research center at the University of Freiburg. Our international team investigates cognitive 
motor control and the neural mechanisms underlying flexible behavior, combining 
behavioral neuroscience with cutting-edge technologies including optogenetics, 
electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and computational approaches. 

The project is embedded in an interdisciplinary collaboration with: 
• Prof. Caglar Ataman, an expert in endoscopy, microsystems, and bioelectronics 
• Prof. Marlene Bartos, an expert in neuronal calcium imaging and rodent 
neuroscience 

This collaboration provides a unique opportunity to work at the interface of systems 
neuroscience, neurotechnology, and microsystems engineering, while interacting with a 
peer group of early-career researchers working on related projects. 

We offer: 
• A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment 
• Training in advanced behavioral, imaging, and optogenetic techniques 
• Opportunities to present your work at international conferences 
• Support for scientific and career development 
• Close interaction with the PI and experienced researchers in the lab 
• An international and stimulating scientific environment at IMBIT 

Living in Freiburg 

The University of Freiburg is one of Germany’s leading research universities. Freiburg is 
located between the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley and offers an international and 
vibrant academic environment, excellent public transport, and outstanding opportunities for 
outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, climbing, and skiing. 

How to Apply 
Please submit your application including: 
• A motivation letter describing your interest in the project 
• CV 
• Copies of relevant degree certificates and transcripts 
• Contact details of two potential referees 

Applications should be submitted by October 31, 2026 to sekretariat.diester-
lab@biologie.uni-freiburg.de. 

For informal inquiries about the position or the research project, please contact Prof. Ilka 
Diester (ilka.diester@biologie.uni-freiburg.de). 

The position is limited to 30. November 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Application

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00005198, by 31. October 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Optophysiology – Optogenetics and Neurophysiology University of Freiburg Georges-Köhler-Allee 201 79110 Freiburg i. Br.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ilka Diester on the phone number +49 761 203-8440 or E-Mail ilka.diester@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.