A post-doctoral research position is open at the Center for Neuroscience Research of Lyon (CRNL) in the context of the project “Cross-species Regulation of Action by Controllability: a Keystone of 5-HT signaling?” (CRACK-5HT) funded by the ERC Starting Grant program (EU). Applicants are expected to develop their project within a broader line of research whose goal is to identify the computational determinants of serotonin signaling in the mammalian brain and the impact of endogenous and induced serotonin dynamics on learning and decision-making in health and disease.
The selected applicant will work in the field of systems neuroscience using the mouse model, in connection with the themes of the CRACK-5HT project. In this context, they will participate in the development and validation of miniaturized behavioral apparatuses and their synchronization with tools used by the group for stimulating or recording neural activities (optogenetics, photometry, electrophysiology).
They will be required to carry out complex experiments involving stereotaxic surgeries (micro-injections, implants), habituation, training, pharmacology, and histology, as well as the subsequent data analysis. They will also be responsible for the proper management of animal colonies and will contribute to the writing of activity reports for funding sources and oversight bodies. Finally, the recruited person will participate in the activities of the COPHY team and the Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), within which the Adaptive Control group is hosted.
The ideal candidate for this postdoctoral position should have a solid background in Neurosciences, Bio- or Neuro-engineering, Cognitive Sciences, or Medicine. A high level of proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is essential, as the role involves contributing to international research collaborations and effectively communicating complex scientific ideas.
The candidate is expected to demonstrate strong skills in project management, scientific programming, electronics, experimentation, and data analysis. Experience in conducting experiments with rodents, performing surgeries, and utilizing advanced techniques such as electrophysiology and optogenetics are highly desirable, as these will be central to the research activities in this position.
In addition to technical expertise, the successful candidate must possess excellent communication skills, work effectively in a team, and exhibit strong coordination abilities. The role requires a candidate who is proactive, rigorous, and capable of taking initiative to drive research projects forward. These qualities are essential for contributing to the dynamic and collaborative environment of the research team.
The successful applicant will be supervised by Romain Ligneul (principal investigator, Chargé de Recherche at INSERM).
Fixed term contract of 18 months, with possible extension.
Starting date between November 1st and December 15th 2024.
Remuneration according to the current grid (month gross salary ranging from 2895.6€ to 4257.4€ depending on experience).
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and a CV including at least two references to romain.ligneul@inserm.fr with the subject line “ERC-POSTDOC-2024 Application”.