Postdoctoral scientist M/F

Job Description

Missions

The Midisyn team (www.fekrijeselimilab.com) is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to participate in a project aimed at understanding the interaction between the early life environment, neural activity, synaptic diversification during postnatal development, and long-term brain function in mammals.

Activity

The functioning of the brain relies on the development of complex neural circuits and specific synapses. Mutations in genes encoding synaptic proteins and environmental factors such as early life adversity are major contributors to the etiology of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The cerebellum is now recognized to be involved in a wide range of cognitive functions, beyond its well-known role in motor coordination and adaptation. Our research using cerebellar Purkinje cells as a model has recently shown that synaptic diversity is generated progressively during postnatal development and that each type of synapse follows specific rules for its specification (Paul et al. Nat. Neurosci. 2025; Veleanu et al. PNAS 2022). In addition, certain types of synapses may be more sensitive to changes in neuronal activity during the postnatal period (Paul et al. Nat Neurosci. 2025).
Building on this work, our project aims to elucidate the molecular factors, particularly epigenetic factors, underlying these synapse-specific rules, as well as the impact of the early environment on the development and functioning of brain circuits. Using approaches targeting specific types of neurons and synapses in mice, combined with a wide range of molecular, biochemical, imaging, and behavioral analysis techniques, the scientist will analyze how early life challenges modulate neuronal epigenetic marks and the molecular identity of synapses in the mouse cerebellum, and how they impact the role of the cerebellum in regulating cognitive functions.

Your Profil

Skills

- Knowledge of cell biology and neuroscience
- Knowledge of molecular biology (in particular working with plasmids, PCR, epigenomics) and biochemistry (preparation of protein extracts, Western blots) and/or knowledge of mouse behavior analysis (behavioral testing, data analysis).
- Critical analysis of literature
- Implementation of new protocols

Your Work Environment

The project is funded by the Foundation for Medical Research. The CIRB offers a world-class research environment, providing various opportunities to expand your expertise, in the heart of Paris' Latin Quarter and surrounded by other leading research institutes (Institut Curie, École Normale Supérieure, etc.) operating on an international scale.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3000 euros brut monthly or more depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions