Job ID: 99929

Post-doctoral position on physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 30 January 2023

City: Paris

Country: France

Institution: Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute

Department:

Description:

Paris Brain Institute (ICM) is a research institute devoted to the nervous system to investigate its organization and function both in normal and pathological conditions. This institute, innovative both by design and organization, brings together patients, physicians and researchers.

A 3-year postdoctoral position is open in the team directed by Professor Alexandra Durr (Basic to translational neurogenetics). This team composed of clinicians and researchers focuses on rare inherited neurological disorders including spinocerebellar ataxia and hereditary spastic paraplegias. One goal of the team is to identify factors that explain the very large clinical and biological variability, despite a major underlying genetic cause.

In one of the diseases, SPG4, the most frequent form of the spastic paraplegias due to mutations in the SPAST gene, age at onset spans from birth to adult hood in patients carrying the same variant (Parodi et al, 2018; Solowska & Baas, 2015). Modifying factors, genetic or environmental, should explain part of the variability and be the target for future therapeutic interventions. The team recently identified one possible genetic modifier (Parodi et a, 2022).

The objective of the project is to investigate the mechanisms of action of this modifier gene. Based on the knowledge gained from these mechanisms we aim to develop new therapeutic strategy for SPG4 patients. The project will use neuronal models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, coupled to imaging methods to investigate how SPG4 mutations or the modifier gene may affect neuronal function. The host institute allows researchers to have access to 20 platforms dedicated to in vivo functional exploration in humans and animals, as well as cellular and molecular explorations.

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic fellow with strong organization skills and a high degree of independence. Applicants must be researchers with a doctoral degree related to biological sciences and a previous experience in cell biology. Knowledge in intracellular trafficking or neuronal models in vitro, would be appreciated.

Salary is defined according host institute rules (qualification, experience, …). Position is immediately available.

Applicants should send a CV, motivation letter and name of 3 references (or support letters) to Frédéric Darios (frederic.darios@icm-institute.org)