Missions

Post-doctoral researcher in charge of developing and conducting experimental protocols, as part of research projects on mouse models of neurological diseases linked to voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium channel mutations are implicated in various types of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and epileptic and developmental encephalopathies (DEEs, characterized by drug-resistant seizures, cognitive/behavioral deficits, movement disorders and mortality, often due to “sudden unexpected death in epilepsy” or SUDEP). The team is expert in studying experimental models of these pathologies (Mantegazza et al., 2021, Physiological Reviews, 101(4):1633 https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00025.2020; Chever et al. 2021 JCI https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI142203; Brunklaus et al. 2022 https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac210; Guerrini et al 2023 Physiological Reviews 103(1):433) https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00063.2021; Rusina et al. 2023 J.Neurochemistry https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jnc.15947). The general objectives of the research project are: 1) to better understand the pathological mechanisms of genetic variants (effects on channel, neuron and neuronal network properties); 2) to better understand the mechanisms of action in vivo; 3) to develop therapeutic treatments.

Activités

- Electrophysiological recordings in brain slices and cultured cells (patch-clamp, LFP, electrical stimulations).
- Mouse interventions such as injections, pharmacological treatments, sampling, labeling and genotyping.
- Placement of electrodes to record cerebral electrophysiological signals.
- Quantification of epileptic seizures in mouse models and quantification of other physiological parameters.
- Perform behavioral tests on mice (basic quantification of cognitive functions, motor skills, social interactions, etc.).
- Formatting of results and statistical analysis.
- Literature monitoring and improvement/adaptation of techniques and analyses.

Compétences

- Experience in electrophysiological recordings (in particular ex vivo patch-clamp and in vivo ECoG).
- Experience in preparing slices for electrophysiological recordings.
- Mouse handling.
- Data analysis skills: statistical analysis, signal analysis (particularly electrophysiological).
- Training in animal experimentation.
- Organizational skills, rigor and method, motivation, autonomy.
- Knowledge of written and spoken English.

Contexte de travail

The position is at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology in Valbonne - Sophia Antipolis (Alpes-Maritimes). The IPMC is a joint research unit (UMR 7275) set up by the CNRS and the Université Côte d'Azur (220 people, 8000 m2 of buildings). Its 20 research teams benefit from a high-level technological environment in integrative biology, electrophysiology, molecular and cellular biology, imaging, cytometry, biomolecule analysis and functional genomics. In particular, shared technical platforms for animal experimentation enable detailed phenotyping of mice. The postdoc will work in the “Physiopathology of Na+ channels and neuronal excitability” team, under the supervision of Massimo Mantegazza.

The position is located in a sector covered by the “protection du potentiel scientifique et technique” (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with regulations, that your arrival be authorized by the competent MESR authority.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

Standard risks associated with the use of chemical and biological products