Fwd: PhD postion at the University of Tübingen, Germany

Ph.D. position at the University of Tübingen, Germany in the EU-ITN project: *Central effects of gut microbiota manipulation* JOB DESCRIPTION We invite applications for a three‐year Early Stage Researcher (Ph.D. student) position being part of the Marie Curie Initial Training Network NeuroGut (www.neurogut.eu). A strong interest and background in neurosciences is wanted. In animal models as well as in humans, the gut microbiota has been shown to modulate central functions, e.g. the ingestion behavior and response to stress. This has so far been shown to be associated with obesity and other eating disorders but not yet for gut functions and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Whether application of prebiotics and probiotics of different bacterial strains will affect central processing of gut and central (neurocognitive) stimuli is unknown but aim of the current project. The candidate will learn one or more of the current state‐of‐the‐art brain recording techniques (preferentially magnetoencephalography) at the respective neuroimaging facilities at Tübingen University Medical Faculty, first by being involved in ongoing studies while preparing his/her own project. He/she will conduct a first study in healthy volunteers investigating the peripheral (microbiota) and central (sensory and neurocognitive) changes after acute and chronic intake of a probiotic (either as food or as drug). This will eventually be followed by a similar study in patients with either functional bowel disorders (such as the irritable bowel syndrome, IBS) or with psychiatric or neurologic dysfunctions. Highly competitive salary as well as funds to participate in training activities of the NeuroGut network as well as in international conferences will be provided. The candidate will also enrol in the PhD program of the Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience at Eberhard Karls University Tübingen (http://www.neuroschool‐tuebingen.de) for lectures, seminars, and other learning activities. Please send CV and application letter to Prof. Paul Enck at (paul.enck(a)xn--unituebingen-i09f.de). Application deadline for this position is June 30th, 2014. A decision will be communicated before July 31st, 2014. Further information on the European NeuroGut Initial Training Network can be found at [www.neurogut.eu] ORGANISATION / INSTITUTE CONTACT DATA University Hospital Tübingen, Germany Department of Internal Medicine VI: Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy ‐ Research Laboratories ‐ Director of Research: Prof. Dr. Paul Enck Frondsbergstr. 23, 72076 Tübingen, Germany E‐MAIL: paul.enck(a)xn--unituebingen-i09f.de PHONE office: +49 7071 29‐89118; cell: +49 179 4986459, FAX: +49 7071 29‐4382 WEBSITE: http://www.psychosomatik‐tuebingen.de/de/index.php ENVISAGED JOB STARTING DATE: September 1st, 2014 or later DEGREE: Master degree or equivalent in medical sciences, biological sciences, psychology or similar with an emphasis on neurosciences IMPROTANT: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. The candidate should not possess a Ph.D. and should have less than 4 years of research experience after graduation with a degree allowing to start a Ph.D. thesis. -- Prof. Christoph Braun MEG-Center University of Tübingen Otfried-Müller-Str. 47 72076 Tübingen Germany Tel: +49 (0)7071 29 87705 Fax: +49 (0)7071 29 5706 Email:christoph.braun@uni-tuebingen.de