Available positions
Team THOUMINE : Postdoc position in Cellular Neuroscience
2023-01-05
We are hiring one highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to investigate the molecular, structural and functional organization of the glutamatergic tripartite synapse. In light of recent evidence that astrocytes are not just a mere "glue" surrounding neurons but actively regulate synaptic connections, we want to investigate the molecular interactions that drive and maintain astrocytic processes in close contact with neurons and how those interactions dynamically regulate the structure and plasticity of synapses. To address this question, we will combine whole patch-clamp recordings with single-cell RNA seq (“patch-seq”), proteomics, electrophysiology, expansion microscopy and live microscopy in the mouse hippocampus, where the role of astrocytes in synaptic plasticity is well established. We will further assess the impact of autistic mutations targeting astrocytic protein candidates that have been so far considered only from a neurocentric point of view.
For this project, the candidate should have expertise in either patch-clamp electrophysiology or microscopy and show strong interest in molecular and cellular neuroscience with a focus on neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. The project is to be developed in the team Cell Adhesion Molecules in Synapse Assembly at IINS of the Bordeaux Neurocampus. The position has 2 years initial funding from ANR.
Candidates should send a CV, a brief statement of research experience and reference letters to Mathieu Letellier: mathieu.letellier@u-bordeaux.fr
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Team CHOQUET : post-doc positions in synaptic plasticity funded by ERC and ANR
2022-07-11
We are seeking to recruit post-doctoral fellows strongly interested in cellular neuroscience, including synaptic plasticity, receptor trafficking and nanoscale organization to join a vibrant environment and exciting projects associating high resolution imaging, biosensors and slice electrophysiology to study innovative aspects of synaptic plasticity. We have developed unique tools to monitor and modify AMPA receptor nanoscale organization and trafficking in vivo and would like now to apply them to study synaptic function with electrophysiological, molecular and imaging approaches. These approaches may be combined with behavioral assessment of memory function to understand the link between synaptic plasticity and memory storage, consolidation and retrieval.
We have developed innovative tools to study the nanoscale organization of AMPAR subunits and subtypes, to control with light their accumulation or disappearance from synapses during STP, LTP and LTD. We plan to use these tools to analyze the role of synaptic plasticity in information processing by the brain.
Altogether, this project will shine new light on the molecular mechanism of synaptic plasticity and will be linked to behavioral studies of cognitive functions using the same tools.
The position will be financed by ERC and ANR grants from D. Choquet for up to five years.
For this position, we are seeking highly motivated individuals, with a proven track record of success, if possible immediately after their PhD, and in any case no more than four years after their PhD. The projects will be conducted in a stimulating and highly interdisciplinary and international environment in a newly established research building, a part of the Bordeaux neurocampus project (Bordeaux, France).
More info on the team research here: https://iins.u-bordeaux.fr/CHOQUET
Please send CV and two references to:
Team CHOQUET : PhD position
2022-06-16
The dendritic spine is a small protrusive structure that is made of a head and a narrow neck emerging from the dendritic shaft. This structure is crucial for neuronal physiology as it is where the postsynaptic compartment of most excitatory synapses is localized and its peculiar shape allows for specific micro-compartmentalization of neuronal signaling. Spine morphology is very plastic; spine head and neck sizes correlate almost perfectly with synaptic strength and spines grow or shrink during synaptic potentiation or depression, respectively. Importantly, the molecular composition and the correlated morphology of spines are critical for synaptic function. Mechano-sensing is emerging as a key mechanism regulating neuronal functions during physiological processes, including neuronal development and synaptic transmission. Despite the fact that they probably involve adhesion and cytoskeleton proteins, the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal mechano-sensing remain unknown. The overarching objective of this PhD project addresses this precise fundamental question.
In collaboration with the group of Gregory Giannone (IINS), different methods to deform spines by applying external mechanical forces will be used. Their impacts on spine shape, mechanical stability and synaptic transmission will be studied by a combination of molecular tools, electrophysiology and state of the art imaging methods, including super-resolution microscopy but also FRET-based force sensors imaging.
As a first molecular target for mechanical regulation/transduction of dendritic spines, the PhD student will study the role of a major class of cytoskeletal protein called β spectrins. Spectrins have actin-binding domains at their ends and various membrane-interacting sites along their length. Spectrin's functions are best characterized in erythrocytes, where the 2D membrane-bound actin-spectrin network maintains the biconcave cell shape and provides mechanical support. Spectrins are also present in other cells and are especially important for the nervous system. In fact, several pathogenic variants have been recently described in central nervous system diseases including developmental delay and autistic features. The emergence of super-resolution microscopy in the past years uncovered the peculiar organization adopted by actin and β spectrins in neurons at the nanoscopic level. A ring-like actin-spectrin network structure appears in axons with 180–190nm periodicity. A similar periodic pattern in patches of dendrites and in spines has been described and is under detailed characterization in the team. The team already demonstrated that spectrin removal leads to a drastic reduction of dendritic spine number and prevents dendritic spine shape changes during synaptic plasticity. Interestingly, β spectrin is composed of specific domains unfolding upon mechanical forces, as demonstrated for proteins involved in mechano-sensing and mechano-transduction. This led to the hypothesis that the ring-like actin-spectrin network may have a mechano-protective or even a mechano-transduction role during synaptic plasticity.
The PhD student will now investigate the impact of spectrin perturbations (mutants CRISPR/CAS9 KO) on dendritic spine mechanical and functional behavior with the experimental approaches described above.
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Team None : Tenure track position for in situ structural biology
2022-05-24
This year, the CNRS is opening tenure-track positions that come with a starting package as well as a promise of tenure upon completion of the contract. This contract provides a dedicated financial environment upon joining the CNRS and includes moderate teaching activities in a higher education institution. These positions are offered on fixed-term contracts (CDD) under public law for a duration of 3 to 6 years. Following evaluation of scientific value and professional aptitude by a tenure commission, tenure is granted as a CNRS Research Director.
Among these positions, I would like to draw your attention to the « Structural Biology of the cell » position available at the interface between structural and cellular microscopies (Cryo-EM, super-resolution imaging, tomography ...), deadline August 31, 2022: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CPJ/CPJ-2022-008/Default.aspx?Lang=EN
Within this framework, the Interdisciplinary Institute Neuroscience (IINS) and the European Institute of Chemistry and Biology (IECB) in Bordeaux, France are opening a joint call to select a group leader in « structural biology of the cell » with a particular focus on neuroscience, adhesive complexes and synapse biology, who would join the vibrant community of cryo-EM research groups located at IECB.
To express your interest in joining the IECB and IINS on these themes, please apply first to the IECB call for group leaders, deadline June 15, 2022: https://www.nature.com/naturecareers/job/group-leader-positions-at-iecb-bordeaux-call-2022-universite-bordeaux-montaigne-bordeaux-3-757937
For more information, please contact daniel.choquet@u-bordeaux.fr (IINS) & v.gabelica@iecb.u-bordeaux.fr (IECB)
Team CHOQUET : Engineer in super-resolution microscopy
2021-03-08
Within the team "Dynamic Organization of Synapses", the engineer will be tasked to conduct super-resolution imaging experiments based on single molecule detection, STED, expansion microscopy, etc. for the study of the nanoscale organization of synaptic proteins.
He/she will be placed under the direct responsibility of the group leader and will work closely with the other researchers in the team to provide support to all of the team's projects requiring super-resolution approaches. He/she will also work in partnership with the other teams in the unit using these approaches as well as with the Bordeaux Imaging Center imaging platform and will participate in the team's internal and external collaborative projects. He/she will be required to work in international collaborations in this area. He/she will be responsible for the development of new sample preparation and image acquisition protocols. He/she will participate in the methodological and instrumental developments in super-resolution imaging carried out within the team. It will also process and analyze the corresponding data. He/she will provide advice and support to team members on these technologies. He/she will conduct projects, analyze, render and trace the results.
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Team ELEGHEERT : 2 ERC-funded postdoctoral research positions
2020-11-16
2 ERC-funded postdoctoral research positions are available immediately to study the structure and therapeutic targeting of neuronal cell-surface receptors and protein complexes.
The projects will involve mammalian protein production, protein chemistry, biophysical interaction analysis, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM and discovery of Nanobodies (Nbs).
The candidate(s) must hold a PhD degree and have less than two years of post-doctoral experience at the start of the contract. The candidate(s) should have a solid background in molecular biology, biochemistry and/or structural biology. Experience with (i) mammalian expression systems (HEK293 cell lines), (ii) biophysical analysis methods (surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry, microscale thermophoresis, etc.), and (iii) X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM, is preferred. The candidate should be highly motivated, a team player, and have a can-do problem-solving attitude.
The project will be carried out under the supervision and mentorship of Dr. Jonathan Elegheert at the IINS in Bordeaux, France, which is recognised for its expertise in molecular and cellular neuroscience, and which is further embedded within the Bordeaux Neurocampus, a vibrant community of more than 700 neuroscientists.
For project details and all other inquiries, please contact;
Dr. Jonathan Elegheert
E-mail : jonathan.elegheert@u-bordeaux.fr
Tel : +33-(0)5.33.51.48.57
Team ROUX : The team is hiring!
2020-11-15
Open postdoctoral position on ERC SociOlfa project. Motivated candidates can send their application and CV to: lisa.roux@u-bordeaux.fr
Team TAKAHASHI : We are hiring!
2020-11-15
We currently have open positions for two postdocs and one technical assistant.
The postdoc positions belong to the recently funded project “Cellular and circuit basis of attentional modulation of tactile sensory processing” (by ATIP-Avenir2020). In this project, we will apply in vivo imaging methods to investigate cortical sensory processing at the subcellular resolution (i.e., synapses, dendrites) in head-fixed mice performing a tactile task.
The successful candidate holding a PhD will show proven experience in neurophysiology (e.g., two-photon imaging, electrophysiology, mouse behavior) in addition to a strong scientific motivation. Programing skills in matlab or python are required.
For the Technical assistant position, the suitable candidate will have skills in one or more of: immunohistochemistry, epi-fluorescent/confocal microscopy, stereotactic surgery, handing and training mice, programming (matlab, python).
Please send your CV, a short description of research interest, and the name and contact details of two referees to naoya.takahashi@u-bordeaux.fr
Team NAGERL : PhD position in Neurophotonics
None
Qualifications: Background and interest in experimental physics, optics or engineering, and brain science, exceptional self-motivation, autonomy and creativity and team player
Offer: PhD project in the Nägerl team at the cutting-edge interface of optical method development, super-resolution microscopy and neuroscience, embedded in the graduate program EUR Light S&T and Bordeaux Neurocampus at the University of Bordeaux.
References:
- ERC-Synergy Project ENSEMBLE
- Bancelin et al. Aberration correction in STED microscopy to increase imaging depth in living brain tissue. Neurophotonics (2021)
- Angibaud et al. A simple tissue clearing method for increasing the depth penetration of STED microscopy of fixed brain slices. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics (2020)
- Inavalli et al. A super-resolution platform for correlative live single-molecule imaging and STED microscopy. Nature Methods (2019)
- Tønnesen et al. Super-resolution imaging of the extracellular space in living brain tissue. Cell (2018)
- Pfeiffer et al. Chronic 2P-STED imaging reveals high turnover of dendritic spines in the hippocampus in vivo. eLife (2018)
How to apply? Email i) a cover letter explaining your interests and motivation, ii) CV, and iii) a reference letter to: Prof. Dr. U. Valentin Nägerl (valentin.nagerl@u-bordeaux.fr).
Team NAGERL : Research engineer position in Neurophotonics for ERC project
None
The Nägerl team is recruiting a research engineer/lab tech/postdoc (depending on qualifications) to help build, improve, test and run new optical microscopy techniques, with a special focus on super-resolution fluorescence microscopy.
The task is to optimize and apply them to living mouse brain tissue and in vivo.
You will implement, develop and use state-of-the-arts and innovative fluorescence labeling approaches, sample preparation, custom-designed illumination and light detection schemes and (computational) data analysis. You will work together with other team members and assist them in tackling the technical challenges.
A high affinity for technology and all things optical is a must, troubleshooting, tinkering and general resourcefulness and ingenuity. Programming skills (Python/Matlab/LabView) is a plus, as well as a deep curiosity about the mysteries of biological phenomena and mechanisms.
The goal is to visualize dynamic cellular brain structures and processes, to see them more clearly and directly, more inclusively and contextually, faster and deeper, less invasively and less tediously so.
Beyond registering exciting new observations, we want to make neurobiological sense out of them. To help decrypt the wonders of synapses, neurons and the brain, nothing less!
The job is part of a ERC-Synergy project with a long-term perspective and a thriving and dynamic workplace environment in a major European research and training center for neuroscience and photonics.
Contact: valentin.nagerl@u-bordeaux.fr