Postdoctoral Position in Brain Imaging: The Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (Saclay) and Molecular Imaging Research Center (Fontenay-aux-Roses) are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the team “Alternative signaling pathways underlying neuron-astrocyte cooperation in health and diseases.” The project involves in vivo brain imaging and is funded by the French Medical Research Foundation.
Designation: Postdoctoral Scholar
Research Area: Brain Imaging, Neurobiology
Location: Paris-Saclay University, France
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Bioimaging, or Bioengineering.
- Highly motivated and talented candidates are encouraged to apply.
- The position is available for a 2-year term.
- Start date: Between January and May 2024.
Job Description:
- The project focuses on exploring alternative signaling cascades that shape the cooperation between astrocytes and neurons and their role in regulating complex behaviors.
- Use unique astrocyte-specific viral tools to manipulate transcription-factor based signaling and assess their impact on neuronal function.
- Conduct resting-state and task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in awake mice, including olfactory stimulation experiments.
- Perform in vivo fiber photometry experiments to assess local neuronal function in awake behaving mice.
- Skills in live imaging on awake mice, surgery (viral injections, optic fiber implantation), and mouse behavioral testing and analysis are essential.
- Valuable assets include an interest in methodological development (e.g., NRI-compatible olfactory stimulation) and skills in bioengineering or programming for data analysis.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit the following as a single PDF file to lucile.ben-haim@cnrs.fr:
- A complete resume.
- A 1-page summary of previous research and interests.
- Two letters of recommendation.
Last Date for Apply: Applications are open and will be reviewed until the position is filled.
References:
- Abjean et al. Reactive astrocytes promote proteostasis in Huntington’s disease through the JAK2-STAT3 pathway. Brain. 2023.
- Ben Haim & Escartin. Astrocytes and neuropsychiatric symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases: exploring the missing links. Current Opinion in Neurobiology. 2022.
- Baligand et al. Zero Echo Time 17O-MRI Reveals Decreased Cerebral Metabolic Rate of Oxygen Consumption in a Murine Model of Amyloidosis. Metabolites. 2021.
- Escartin et al. Reactive astrocyte nomenclature, definitions, and future directions. Nature Neuroscience. 2021.
- Kelley, Ben Haim et al. Kir4.1-Dependent Astrocyte-Fast motor neuron interactions are required for peak strength. Neuron. 2018.
Explore the exciting interface between neurobiology and brain imaging, and contribute to cutting-edge research in a dynamic and collaborative environment at Paris-Saclay University.
