Missions

We seek to hire a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to investigate the dynamics and role of glycine, D-serine and zinc – three key endogenous modulators of NMDA receptors – in brain function and synaptic plasticity. The dynamics and rules of neuromodulation by these three atypical factors during synaptic activity and naturally occurring stimuli remain mostly elusive due to the lack of appropriate tools for their detection and manipulation. In this project, we propose to tackle these issues using original tools – both molecular (sensors) and genetic (transgenic mice) – developed by our laboratory and by collaborators from the ENS Chemistry Department. The project combines various advanced methodologies at the cross-road between cellular electrophysiology, chemical biology, molecular pharmacology, optogenetics and cellular imaging. It is part of recently awarded ANR funding and is to be developed in the team of Pierre Paoletti at the Institute of Biology of the Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS) in Paris.

Activités

We seek to hire a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to investigate the dynamics and role of glycine, D-serine and zinc – three key endogenous modulators of NMDA receptors – in brain function and synaptic plasticity. The dynamics and rules of neuromodulation by these three atypical factors during synaptic activity and naturally occurring stimuli remain mostly elusive due to the lack of appropriate tools for their detection and manipulation. In this project, we propose to tackle these issues using original tools – both molecular (sensors) and genetic (transgenic mice) – developed by our laboratory and by collaborators from the ENS Chemistry Department. The project combines various advanced methodologies at the cross-road between cellular electrophysiology, chemical biology, molecular pharmacology, optogenetics and cellular imaging. It is part of recently awarded ANR funding and is to be developed in the team of Pierre Paoletti at the Institute of Biology of the Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS) in Paris.

Compétences

The candidate should have a solid expertise in cellular electrophysiology and, preferably, also in cellular imaging, as well as showing strong interest in neurotransmission and synaptic biology.

Contexte de travail

The Paoletti team has worldwide recognition for its work on the structure and function of glutamate receptors, and the regulation of excitatory synapses.
IBENS is a leading European life science institute that gathers world-class researchers in Genetics & Genomics, Cell & Developmental biology, Evolution, and Neuroscience. It is located in the center of Paris and offers a highly stimulating environment, close to several other top research institutions within PSL University (Institut Curie, Collège de France, ESPCI…).

Contraintes et risques

Standard risks of experimental biology. Minor risks of exposure to chemical agents.