Post-doctoral position offer- in vivo brain imaging to study neuron-astrocyte interactions

KEY WORDS

CITY

COUNTRY

France

DETAILS OF THE OFFER

A 2-year postdoctoral scholar position, funded by the French Medical Research Foundation, is available for highly motivated and talented candidates Neuroscience, Bioimaging or Bioengineering. You would be joining the research group of Lucile Ben Haim, at the Paris-Saclay University (France).

Working place:  MIRCen / Paris-Saclay University

Missions:

Project:

Neuron-astrocyte interactions are classically assessed through analysis of astrocyte calcium signals, overlooking transcription-factor based signaling, despite their emerging roles in health and disease. In this project, we will study how these alternative signaling cascades shape the cooperation between astrocytes and neurons and regulate complex behaviors. To do so, you will use unique astrocyte-specific viral tools to manipulate distinct transcription-factor based signaling and determine the effect on neuronal function.

In this project, at the interface between neurobiology and biomedical brain imaging, you will setup and perform:

• 1) Resting-state and task-based (olfactory stimulation) exam using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in awake mice
• 2) in vivo fiber photometry experiments to assess local neuronal function in awake mice during behavior.

Environment:

fMRI experiments will be performed on a 11.7T magnet at MIRCen (Fontenay-aux-Roses, France) in collaboration with Celine Baligand, Ph.D. (team Julien Valette, Ph.D. "Advanced magnetic resonance methods to probe brain cell interactions in vivo" François Jacob Institute of biology - Advanced magnetic resonance methods to probe brain cell interactions in vivo (cea.fr)). Fiber photometry experiments will be performed in our new lab at the Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Saclay, France).

Qualifications:

The candidate should have some of the following skills:

• Live imaging on awake mice
• Surgery (viral injections, optic fiber implantation)
• Mouse behavioral testing and analysis

Valuable assets

• Interest in methodological development (MRI-compatible olfactory stimulation in awake mice)
• Skills in bioengineering or programming for data analysis

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TYPE OF JOB

TYPE OF CONTRACT

CDD (temporary / 2 years)

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EMPLOYMENT START DATE