PostDoctoral position: Thalamic engrams for remote fear memory (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

Memory formation is thought to depend on a physical substrate involving the activation of specific subsets of neurons, which wire together to enable the reactivation of the network during memory recall. Research on this substrate, often referred to as the "engram", has primarily focused on brain regions known to be involved in memory processing such as the cortex, amygdala and hippocampus. However, the role of the thalamus in the engagement of the engram has not been fully explored.

Why focus on the thalamus? Recent studies have begun to shed light on the thalamus's role in memory processing, storage, and recall across different ages. Simultaneously, it is well established that i) remote memories (memories encoded in the distant past) rely on widely distributed engrams encompassing cortical, hippocampal and thalamic regions and ii) that several nuclei in the so called “cognitive thalamus” serve as connecting hubs between hippocampus and cortex. However a systematic approach targeting "cognitive thalamic" regions to pinpoint the ones involved in the memory engram is still lacking. In the TERM project, we aim to identify the thalamic nuclei that serve as hub regions in the distributed engram network of remote memories.

Activity

This project has three primary objectives: 1) to systematically identify the thalamic nuclei involved in the engram for remote memories, 2) to determine which components of encoded information are processed within these identified regions of interest, and 3) to map the connectivity of engram cells within these thalamic hubs with the rest of the brain, given the crucial role of the thalamus in bridging communication between different brain divisions. Although our approach to identifying these regions will be unbiased, we present preliminary data pointing to three key areas that display strong memory signatures, with neurons selectively activated during critical stages of memory formation.

Your Profil

Skills

Master's degree in: Neuroscience, Biology, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering.
PhD in: Neuuroscience
Required experience in: Mouse behavior, circuit neuroscience, engrams, mouse stereotaxic surgery, proficiency in ABBA/BraiAn pipeline, optogenetics, FliCre.engrammes, la chirurgie stereotaxique des souris, compétences en ABBA/BraiAn pipeline, optogenetique, FliCre.

Your Work Environment

The project is led by Dr. Bianca A. Silva. Our team is part of the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC) (www.ipmc.cnrs.fr), a joint public research institute of the CNRS, INSERM, and Université Côte d'Azur. The Institute is located in Sophia Antipolis, a technology park in the suburbs of Nice that hosts many biotechnology and healthcare companies, providing a dynamic environment for scientific research.

Constraints and risks

The constraints of this position are primarily related to animal handling. It is important that candidates are not allergic to rodents. Candidates may be required to work weekend shifts to monitor the animals. Potential risks include animal bites and cuts related to microtome handling.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between 3071 et 4714 € depending on the 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

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