Job ID: 118307
Postdoctoral position on genetic investigations in neuronal motor circuits
Position: Post-doctoral Position
Deadline: 31 May 2024
Employment Start Date: 1 June 2024
Contract Length: 2 years with possible extensions
City: Saclay
Country: France
Institution: CNRS
Department: Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience
Description:
A fully-funded post-doctoral position is available in the team of Julien Bouvier at the Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (NeuroPSI). The successful candidate will join a dynamic international, and well-equipped team of 9 people, supported by ERC and ANR in a brand-new institute at the heart of the Paris-Saclay cluster, the top French university.
We study the neuronal control of adaptive movement at the functional, anatomical, connectomics, and genetic levels. We are looking for a motivated scientist to explore the diversity and specialization of brain motor circuits at the gene expression levels, and relate it to anatomical and functional criteria in health and disease. For this, we will combine circuit tracing, high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing, histology, and functional interferences in vivo on healthy mice and on models of spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative disorders. The successful candidate should:
- Hold (or be about to obtain) a Ph.D. in Neurosciences or Cellular Biology and be fluent in English.
- Have experience in RNA sequencing and genomic data analysis, ideally at the single cell or single nucleus level.
- Have some autonomy in histology, or be willing to learn and develop it.
- Be able to work autonomously in a collaborative environment and be dedicated to the progress of a demanding and original project.
- Be curious and interested in the brain circuits and mechanisms that allow us to move! đ
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to discover, and, depending on advancement and interest, possibly apply, cutting-edge functional and anatomical investigation strategies using viral-based circuit tracings, functional imaging, optogenetics, and behavioral monitoring.
To apply, interested candidates should send:
- a summary (1 or 2 pages) of previous research and interest;
- a complete CV;
- contact details of 2 references.
Terms:
The position can start as early as June 2024, for 2 years initially. Extensions of up to 5 years will be possible, based on advancement. The salary will be based on experience, following the official CNRS guidelines. The successful candidate will receive all necessary training, regular supervision, and constructive discussion on his/her results and future career. He/she will have access to dedicated equipment and reagents and have the opportunity to present at internal and international meetings.
Recent publications:
- HĂ©rent C, Diem S, Usseglio G, Fortin G, Bouvier J. Upregulation of breathing rate during running exercise by central locomotor circuits in mice. Nature Communications, 2023
- Usseglio G, Gatier E, Heuzé A, Hérent C, Bouvier J. Control of orienting movements and locomotion by projection-defined subsets of brainstem V2a neurons. Current Biology, 2020.
- Schwenkgrub J, Harrell E, Bathellier B, Bouvier J. Deep imaging in the brainstem reveals complex functional dynamics in V2a neurons controlling locomotion. Science Advances, 2020
- HĂ©rent C, Diem S, Fortin G, Bouvier J. Absent phasing of respiratory and locomotor rhythms in running mice. Elife, 2020