Offer description

Position

The spinal dynamics lab at the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris (IPNP) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our efforts to understand the function of spinal cord networks during locomotion. The position is initially available for one year, starting May 2025, with prolongation subject to additional funding.

Topics/Project

We recently established the use of genetically encoded voltage indicators to study the activity of spinal cord networks during locomotion in zebrafish. This project will explore the modular structure of spinal cord activity across different behaviors by recording activity from many neurons in parallel while fish are behaving in a virtual environment. This will involve developing fast 3D light-sheet voltage imaging and assays for locomotor behavior in virtual environments. You will be the main driver of this project and responsible for designing and constructing experimental setups, performing imaging experiments, analyzing the resulting high volume imaging data and drafting publications. You are also expected to bring your own ideas and vision to the project to shape its future directions.

Profile

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in neuroscience or a related field, works independently, loves creative problem solving and is excited to learn new things.

You should have expertise in one or more of the following topics:

• Zebrafish neuroscience
• Microscope design
  Voltage imaging

Experience with following techniques will also be useful: 

Python programming for hardware control and image analysis, zebrafish behavior.

our team

We are a newly established research team and every aspect of our lab is just getting set up. This includes equipment and experiments but also lab culture. As such we are open to anyone who wants to be part of shaping our future research and lab spirit. 

We are situated at the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris where we have access to state of the art in house facilities as well as the excellent Paris area zebrafish neuroscience community. Our work is multidisciplinary ranging from technique development over basic neuroscience to disease related work. We aim to foster an inclusive and collaborative environment were everyone can thrive and move science forward.

How to apply

Send your CV and letter of motivation to urs-lucas.bohm@inserm.fr. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.