Postdoctoral Researcher in Neurotechnology (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

To study the role of cortical circuits in the integration of somatosensory (tactile and proprioceptive) information essential for motor learning, our team has developed several innovative brain-machine interfaces adapted for use in the mouse model.
These approaches are based on the real-time recording and analysis of single-neuron activity in the primary motor cortex (Arduin et al., 2013; Abbasi et al., 2018). In particular, we trained mice to control a custom-made forelimb prosthesis using such brain-machine interface (Ferrand et al., 2025). At the same time, we have identified strategies for transmitting somatosensory information to subjects using optogenetic tools, by performing patterned photostimulation of the primary somatosensory cortex (Lassagne et al., 2022). In particular, in closed-loop experiments, we provided artificial somatosensory feedback that was behaviorally relevant to facilitate motor control via a brain-machine interface (Abbasi et al., 2023).
More recently, we have also developed a brain-machine interface capable of decoding motor intentions on a broader mesoscopic scale (Picard 2025), using optical signals recorded via wide-field calcium imaging at the surface of the cortex to control a prosthesis.
The proposed research program aims to combine this “mesoscopic” decoding approach with optogenetic somatosensory feedback using a bidirectional all-optical strategy.
This approach will enable us to develop and test strategies for artificially delivering proprioceptive and/or tactile information from the prosthesis to the cortex, thereby allowing for effective adjustment of motor commands within the context of a brain-machine interface.
Beyond providing valuable insights into the integrative and adaptive capabilities of cortical somatosensory-motor networks, this work will make a significant contribution to preclinical research in the field of functional rehabilitation.

Activity

The researcher will be responsible for evaluating, in mice, various experimental strategies for providing proprioceptive and/or tactile feedback via optogenetic feedback during sensorimotor tasks performed using an all-optical brain-machine interface. This will involve engineering work to design the experiments and analyze the collected data, as well as animal experimentation.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate must have experience in animal experimentation and be able to work as part of a multidisciplinary and international team. We are seeking candidates with a strong background in neuroscience (functional imaging, optogenetics, operant conditioning) and/or engineering, as our project will involve significant work in programming, robotics, optics, etc. Ideally, candidates should possess expertise in both fields.

Your Work Environment

The Touch&Move laboratory (led by Isabelle Ferezou and Valérie Ego-Stengel) aims to understand somatosensory-motor integration in mice by recording and manipulating neural dynamics, both during haptic sensorimotor tasks and in brain-machine interface contexts. Our team is based at the Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (NeuroPSI) in France, within one of Europe's leading research universities. We benefit from a dynamic scientific environment and have access to numerous research platforms, including state-of-the-art imaging equipment and animal facilities.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €3,131.32 and €4,291.70 before tax, dependent 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