Missions

We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate for a PhD position to work on the role of the frontal operculum in speech control. This project is funded by an ANR grant 2024 awarded to a consortium of researchers (Lyon, Grenoble, USA) who use different approaches to study the frontal operculum (PFOp). The PhD student will be responsible for WP3 of the project, establishing the causal effect of a lesion encompassing the PFOp on speech and cognitive abilities in adults and during childhood. A preliminary study will assess the impact of a lesion in the left or right PFOp on speech and cognitive abilities in human adults. For this, the candidate will use data from a long-term prospective follow-up study of veterans with and without focal lesions due to traumatic brain injury. A second study will involve examining the impact of the timing of the occurrence of a PFOp lesion (following a tumor) during childhood on language.

Activities

Project management, preparation of research materials, data collection, data analysis, presentation of results within the lab, writing articles, drafting the CPP (Committee for the Protection of Persons), and participation in conferences for scientific dissemination.

Skills

General knowledge of the practical steps necessary for the success of a study
Knowledge of scientific, financial, regulatory, legal fields, and legislation regarding clinical research in order to submit projects to the relevant authorities
Understanding of French regulations related to clinical studies and personal data (Reference methodology, CNIL declaration, CPP files, etc.)
Knowledge and mastery of Good Clinical Practices
Proficiency in oral and written English is mandatory
Good proficiency in computer tools (Office Suite) and programming, and data analysis (Matlab and/or Python)
Familiarity with medical imaging techniques
Ability to interpret and utilize scientific information
Scientific training (Master's degree, Bac+5)
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multidisciplinary team (researchers, clinicians), and good relationships with patients and their families
Good adaptability
Rigor, autonomy, organization
Speed and responsiveness
Ability to analyze and synthesize information
Respect for confidentiality

Work Context

The Marc Jeannerod Institute of Cognitive Sciences (ISC-MJ) - UMR 5229 is based in Lyon. This institute is a Mixed Research Unit of CNRS and the University of Lyon that studies the brain mechanisms of cognition and its dysfunctions. Numerous themes are addressed within the research teams that comprise it, including perception, motor plasticity, attentional processes, decision-making, motivation, and social cognition. The multidisciplinary skills gathered in the laboratory include physiology and psychology, as well as mathematics, economics, and medical disciplines such as neurology and psychiatry.

Constraints and risks

N/A