Dynamic multistructural imaging of the awake animal brain M/F

23 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

CNRS

Department

Direction des ressources humaines

Research Field

Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

20 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

23 Feb 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

One of CNRS's research priorities is to decipher the mechanisms of the brain (taken in its broadest sense as the central nervous system), and in particular those involved in its cognitive functions (cf COP 2019-2023, Vivant, priority 4; COMP in preparation). The CNRS is investing considerable resources in this field (around 23% of staff working in biology). The skills deployed come from a wide range of disciplines: biology, physics, computer science, mathematics, humanities and social sciences, to name but a few.
One of the challenges in understanding brain function (central nervous system) is to establish causal links between mechanisms deciphered at different organizational scales (neurons and other neural cells, local networks, projection networks, etc.), at different time scales (from milliseconds to days), in different structures of the encephalon, and the major functions of the brain.
Functional imaging (MRI, MEG, etc.) has made major progress, but its limitations in terms of resolution (temporal or anatomical) mean that it is not possible to decipher fine mechanisms. The key to overcoming these limitations lies in the development of breakthrough methodological approaches and techniques that will enable the simultaneous exploration of events taking place at different organizational and temporal scales, in different regions of the brain, during the performance of a complex task.
The aim is to understand the dynamics of the multiple neural networks involved in brain function during the performance of a task. The CNRS aims to strengthen its research potential in this field, by opening the CPJ DynaBrain, within a specialized neuroscience unit.

One of the cross-disciplinary axes of the Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (INCI, UPR3212 of the CNRS associated with the University of Strasbourg) focuses on deciphering, in animals, the functioning of neuronal networks underlying brain and spinal cord structures. This priority area is shared by most INCI teams. It also cuts across the NeuroStra Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute (ITI), which brings together all the neuroscience teams in Strasbourg. The INCI teams implement approaches using the multiple resources offered by optogenetics, multiphoton imaging and computational neuroscience approaches. The CPJ winner will bring his or her expertise in the development and use of dynamic imaging tools to explore in rodents the role of neural networks involved in the performance of cognitive and behavioral tasks. In view of the creation of a CNRS neuroscience institute in Strasbourg through the merger of INCI UPR3212 and LNCA (Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives) UMR7364, the scientific project of the CPJ laureate will focus on changes in the organization and temporal dynamics of neural networks underlying learning and memory processes.

The proposed scientific project will be in line with the Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives' focus on the integrated functioning of neural networks. Technological advances (electrophysiology, imaging, optogenetics, omics, etc.) and analytical advances (big data analysis, machine learning) have revolutionized our knowledge of brain circuits. Methodological limitations have forced us to focus on specific networks. The proposed project will overcome this limitation by developing tools (optics for wide-field imaging with cellular resolution, dynamic imaging, use of several fluorescent molecules for multi-spectral analysis of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators) enabling the simultaneous manipulation of a large number of brain structures in awake animals, and the recording of signals from these structures. The project will also propose advanced analysis tools. Ideally, to link CPJ with the evolution of the site, the biological component of the project will focus on studying the organization and temporal dynamics of the brain networks involved in long-term memory. One of the major thrusts will be to understand the evolution of interactions between networks during the modification of learning rules and during the automation of behaviors in normal and pathological contexts.

The activities of the person recruited will be part of the University of Strasbourg's teaching activities in the field of Neuroscience..

The CNRS is developing a strong policy in favor of open science. Open science consists of making research results "as accessible as possible and closed as necessary". As such, the CNRS aims to make 100% of the texts of publications resulting from the work of its laboratories accessible , in particular through deposit in HAL. The data produced must also be made available and reusable, except for specific restrictions. In addition, the guiding principles of individual evaluation have been revised in accordance with the DORA declaration, to be more qualitative and to take into account all facets of the researcher's profession.

The dissemination of the results will be done through world-class scientific productions: publications, patents, software... In addition, the results will be communicated to various targets such as scientific communities, media, decision makers, general public, schools, etc., with an adapted calendar. Specific tools may be developed such as websites, newsletters, meetings, international symposia, summer schools and conferences.

The relationship between science and society is now recognized as a full dimension of scientific activity. The project will develop this dimension in synergy with all the partners. The resulting research work will contribute to informing public decision-making. Participatory science initiatives may be initiated with actors from the project's socio-economic and cultural eco-system.

Requirements
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

holders of a doctorate or a PhD or equivalent degree or applicants who have gained scientific. There is no restriction on the age or nationality of applicants. All CNRS positions are accessible to people with disabilities, with special arrangements for tests made necessary by the nature of the disability.

Website for additional job details

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CPJ/CPJ-2024-018/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Direction des ressources humaines

Country

France

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Candidat/Offre/CPJ-2024-018/Candidater.aspx

STATUS: EXPIRED