Job ID: 80564

2 postdoctoral positions in the motor control field

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 31 August 2022

Employment Start Date: 1 July 2022

Contract Length: Initial 2-year contract, with the possibility for extension.

City: Saclay

Country: France

Institution: CNRS

Department: Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience

Description:

Two funded positions are available to work on two distinct projects on the neuronal control of movements, with a particular focus on descending circuits for locomotion and body movements. Candidates will in particular investigate the connectivity, functional role, and genetic diversity of populations of reticulospinal neurons, combining mouse genetics, viral synaptic tracings, optogenetic interferences, imaging, kinematic tracking, histological reconstructions, and molecular profiling. One project will also include an investigation of reticulospinal neurons’ plasticity following experimental spinal cord injury and regenerative stimulation.

You will be joining a dynamic team of neurophysiologists with recognized expertise in deciphering the organization of brainstem and spinal cord circuits. You will have access to recent electrophysiological, optogenetic, imaging, and kinematic equipment and state-of-the-art viral tools and transgenic mice lines. You will also help implement new axis including genomic analysis, and spinal repair, through collaboration with expert groups in the area.

You will evolve in the multidisciplinary and stimulating environment of the NeuroPSI institute, dedicated to studying brain function from genes to artificial intelligence. Our lab just moved to a brand-new building at the heart of the scientific park of Paris-Saclay University, 20 Km south of Paris.

For both positions, the ideal candidate holds a PhD, should be interested in the organization of brainstem descending tracts and has some of the following key qualifications:

  • Experimental work on transgenic mice;
  • Spinal cord injury models;
  • Stereotaxic surgeries;
  • Molecular biology and genomic data analysis;
  • Motor tests and kinematic recordings in vivo;
  • Optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations in rodents;
  • Minimal computer literacy, including Matlab, R, or python will be a valuable asset.
  • Be genuinely motivated, have excellent communication skills, and be sensible to a healthy and constructive team-spirit.

Interested candidates should send to Julien Bouvier all of the following:

  • a 2-page statement of interest, summarizing your past work and interest in our team and projects;
  • a detailed CV including your education, technical skills, previous funding, and publication list including preprints;
  • at least 2 references who will be contacted for a recommendation.

The contract can start as early as July 2022.