Missions

The project aims to study the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), as well as that of a frequent human variant of the gene for these receptors, in striatal neuromodulation associated with compulsive cocaine use, using preclinical models. Addictive behaviour and associated striatal neuromodulation will be studied using a combination of intravenous cocaine self-administration and fibre photometry in transgenic rats. This project is part of a cross-sectional study that will also include pharmacological tests in preclinical models. The candidate must be fully trained in fibre photometry in rats, be able to write codes in Python for data analysis, and be experienced in behavioural studies and stereotaxic surgery in rats. The self-administration part will be carried out by another researcher in collaboration with the candidate recruited.
The joint host laboratories, 'Glutamatergic co-transmission in psychiatric diseases' and 'Integrative neurobiology of cholinergic systems', use a combination of molecular and cellular biology and behavioural and cognitive neuroscience approaches to study the role of the cholinergic system in various neurobiological functions, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, at the Centre for Neuroscience Sorbonne University (NeuroSU, IBPS) and the Neuroscience Department of the Institut Pasteur in Paris.

Activities

o Working with live rodents and harvested animal tissue
o Fibre photometry: intracerebral injections of viral vectors and implantation of fibres by stereotaxis, recordings during behavioural tasks,
o Histology and microscopy
o Python coding for signal analysis, analysis of photometry data, in relation to animal behaviour

Skills

Knowledge
o Fluency in English (speaking/listening)
o Training in behavioural neuroscience
o Training and expertise in stereotactic surgery in rats
o Solid experience in behavioural studies and fibre photometry in rats
o Expertise in Python programming essential
o Diploma in animal experimentation and surgery required

Know-how
o Handling and working with live rodents on a daily basis
o Critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team and a research network

Personal skills
o Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication within the laboratory, with colleagues and internationally
o Teamwork

Management skills
o Supervision of students

Work Context

Lots of hours in the animal house / animal experiments