Missions

The laboratory is looking for a neuro-physicist/electrophysiologist to investigate spike propagation within model neural network cultured on graphene-based interface.

Activités

The main project aims to map the neural communications with a graphene based electronics. Beyond following spike propagation along single cells, we will analyze the transduction of the signal by the graphene transistors which are emerging tools for the neuronal interfaces in general.
- For that purpose, the candidate will combine dedicated stimulation and real-time recordings with arrays of graphene field effect transistors GFETs on which the primary neurons will be cultured (2 weeks).
- GFETs recordings will provide a way to analyse quantitatively the propagation of spikes along the stimulated neuron and to its close neighbors.
- The candidates will have to handle the stimulation part, which can be done by patch clamp, microelectrode or with optogenetic tools (e.g. ChR2 photosensitive ion channel) already tested on our neuronal cultures.
Readout electronics and GFET array will be provided for the study. The laboratory has a cell culture room and optogenetic tools, as well as a patch clamp and fluorescence microscope bench.

Compétences

The team will provide the optical or electrical stimulation equipments (patch clamp, microelectrode, and optogenetics), as well as the GFET array and their acquisition electronics. On the other hand, the candidate should master the techniques of stimulation and recording of neural signals to get started with patch clamp experiments.
The candidate will be trained in graphene transistor technology.
Skills in electrophysiology and signal processing will facilitate the acquisition and exploitation of signals.
The candidate should have expertise in patch-clamp and optogenetics applied to neurons, and should be familiar with MEA recording, spike sorting, and graphene device technology.

Contexte de travail

The Institut NÉEL is a CNRS unit (UPR 2940) under agreement with the University Grenoble Alpes. It is one of the largest French national research institutes for fundamental research in condensed matter physics enriched by interdisciplinary activities at the interfaces with chemistry, engineering and biology. It consists of 450 employees, including 175 researchers.
It is located in Grenoble, in the heart of a unique scientific, industrial and cultural environment, right next to the French Alpes.
The Post-doc will join the TPS research team (Thermodynamics and Biophysics of small systems) of the Condensed Matter – Low Temperatures (MCBT) department of the Institut Néel. The team is focusing on sensing neurons using multidisciplinary approaches.

Informations complémentaires

Please include with your c.v. a brief research summary and letters of recommendation.
The employment contract is concluded for a period of 7 months, with a possible extension.
Positions funded by ANR Nanomesh https://anr.fr/Projet-ANR-18-CE42-0003