Job ID: 119598
Postdoctoral researcher in neuronal mechanisms of therapeutics for drug addiction
Position: Post-doctoral Position
Deadline: 1 December 2024
Contract Length: 2 years
City: Amiens
Country: France
Institution: Université de icardie Jules Verne
Department: Pharmacy
Description:
The research group of Pr M. Naassila (GRAP, Groupe de Recherche sur l’Alcool et les Pharmacodépendances, INSERM UMR 1247, is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to study the neuronal mechanisms of psilocybin, a psychedelic that has recently shown, promise in the treatment of drug addiction.
This research contributes to the national ANR translational project PAPAUD, including clinicians and preclinicians partners, which seeks to investigate the application of psychedelics in patients with alcohol use disorder, while elucidating their mechanisms of action (see our publications : https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abh2399 ; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38554193/ ). In this work, the GRAP uses animal models of binge drinking and alcohol addiction to study the behavioral and neuronal mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorder in order to develop new therapeutic approaches, including now psylocibin.
Your mission
Alcohol use disorder is a psychiatric disease characterizes by repeated periods of abstinence and relapse because available treatments are not sufficiently effective. Recently, the psychedelics emerge as a powerful tool to reduce alcohol use disorder. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding their mode of action at neuronal level and notably their effectiveness in modulating neuronal excitability and functional synaptic plasticity in relation to their known effects on structural plasticity on both the short- and the long-term. The research work will include ex vivo electrophysiology using state-of-the art technologies (patch-clamp, optogenetics, DREADDS) but also extracellular field recording in rodent brain slices containing either the nucleus accumbens or the hippocampus, in combination with immunohistochemistry and molecular biology. In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to supervise Master’s students.
Your Profile
Highly motivated individuals with a PhD in Neurosciences and a strong background in ex vivo electrophysiology (neuronal excitability, spontaneous synaptic transmission, transmembrane current recordings and analysis). Knowledge about synaptic plasticity (long-term potentiation and long-term depression) would be a plus but is not mandatory. Previous experience with optogenetic, immunofluorescence or molecular biology is welcome. Experience from work on brain slices is mandatory. Successful candidates are enthusiastic, responsible, and able to perform their own experiments and analysis. They can provide suggestions and support in experimental design and experimentation to other members of the group. It is considered as an advantage if you already have performed a 2 years pots-doc after your PhD.
What do we offer?
The GRAP offers a creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise from liver cell culture to behavioral procedure (operant-cages), in vivo calcium-imaging, or fast-cyclic voltammetry in addition to neuroimaging technics. At the University Center for Health Research, we conduct successful biomedical researches in different scientific areas from neurosciences to virology or blood cancer giving you the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods. The Research Center is equipped with a modern animal facility including an a fRMI for small animals (https://www.u-picardie.fr/plateformes/pirmpa) and a bio-imaging platform with modern light-sheet and confocal microscopes (https://icap.u-picardie.fr/).
Employment
The appointment will be for 2 years, 100% of full-time. This is a competitive salaried position (starting from 50 000 €/an) and will be open until filled. Starting date: as soon as possible or as agreed
Location: Amiens, France (1h train from Paris and Lille)
An employment application must contain the following document in English or French:
- A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defense, title of the thesis, membres of the thesis jury, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions and committee work.CV and links to 1-2 favored publications
- A summary of the current work (or thesis work if concerned) – no more than one page
- Cover letter detailing your interest in the position
Contact details for 2-3 references