Integrative neurocognition in cephalopods M/F

Job Description

Summary of the scientific project

The project aims to identify the neural basis of complex cognitive functions in cephalopods by combining behavioural analyses, in vivo electrophysiology and transcriptomic approaches. Using ethological and ecological approaches, it will explore the functioning of the visual integration system during various cognitive tasks (prey identification, dynamic camouflage, navigation). EEG recordings of free-swimming animals and IGE expression will be used to determine the brain networks involved and map them. The integration of multi-omic data will link genetic organisation and neural plasticity. Ultimately, the project may also aim to study colour changes, a unique property of cephalopods, during communicative and non-communicative interactions. This project will structure an innovative cognitive and comparative neuro-ethology axis within the centre.

Summary of the teaching project

The successful candidate will mainly work within the Biology Department of the Faculty of Science at the University of Caen Normandy. The main aim of the project is to promote the internationalisation of the Master's programme in Behavioural Sciences at the University of Caen. Teaching will be planned in different teaching modules of the Master's programme (relating to cognitive and comparative neuroethology); ultimately, it would be advisable for the candidate to support the application for an international Master's programme, which will be submitted for the next accreditation plan.

Potential host facilities

• INSB - CNRS Biologie
• CEEC - Centre d'Etude en Ethologie et Cognition

Your Profil

Profile Required

Holders of a doctorate or a PhD or equivalent degree or applicants who have gained scientific qualifications or carried out scientific work deemed to be of an equivalent level.There is no restriction on the age or nationality of applicants. All CNRS positions are accessible to people with disabilities, with special arrangements for tests made necessary by the nature of the disability

Your Work Environment

Host Lab Strategy

The Centre for Ethology and Cognition Studies is based on an ambitious project focused on cognitive ethology. Its aim is to develop research across a broad phylogenetic spectrum, from molluscs to primates, in order to promote a comparative approach to cognitive processes at the national level. The centre draws on experimental infrastructure and expertise in cephalopods that is unique internationally, as well as approaches integrating behaviour and neurobiology. The project combines ethology in natural, semi-natural and controlled conditions with functional neurobiology. The arrival of a junior professorship (CPJ) will bring cutting-edge expertise on the cognitive and neurochromatic mechanisms involved in cephalopods. This CPJ will play a key role in the development of new trans-model projects and in structuring CEEC into an international research hub on comparative cognition.

Institution Strategy

The junior professorship (CPJ) CephaloCog, proposed by the CNRS, aligns with several key issues identified in the CNRS's priority objectives and means contract (CNRS COMP), specifically, the 'Brain' transversal axis, and to a lesser extent the 'Global Changes' axis, which covers the adaptation of animal species to ecological transition.
The 'Brain' axis is a key challenge involving the integration of mechanisms at various levels of complexity into a coherent vision. This includes biological and brain-specific aspects (e.g. algorithms used by the brain, sensory representations, memory, learning, behaviour, consciousness, etc.). It also includes research into brains and the evolution of behavioural and cognitive mechanisms across the entire spectrum of the animal kingdom, from comparative and evolutionary perspectives. These are aspects with which the CPJ CephaloCog is in line.
One of the priorities shared by the CNRS is understanding how global environmental changes affect the ethology and cognition of wild species that constitute food resources. From this perspective, there is a strong need to understand how the functioning of the 'brain' (its physiology, behaviours and cognition) is influenced, shaped or impacted by modifications to its environment, such as microbiota, social factors, ecology, pollutants and so on. Fundamental knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying behaviour and cognition, which the CPJ CephaloCog encompasses, may help us to understand how cephalopods adapt to these rapid global changes.

International Strategy

The chair holder will be required to implement international actions and partnerships in the chair's thematic field, and in particular to commit to submitting at least one project under European funding calls (ERC, Horizon Europe consortium, etc.) during the first four years of their contract.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Annual salary from 54 600 Euros to 57 800 Euros depending on professionnal experience.

Total funding

200k€

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€

Research Policy

Open Science

The CNRS is developing a strong policy in favor of open science. Open science consists of making research results "as accessible as possible and closed as necessary". As such, the CNRS aims to make 100% of the texts of publications resulting from the work of its laboratories accessible , in particular through deposit in HAL. The data produced must also be made available and reusable, except for specific restrictions. In addition, the guiding principles of individual evaluation have been revised in accordance with the DORA declaration, to be more qualitative and to take into account all facets of the researcher's profession.

Science and society

The relationship between science and society is now recognized as a full dimension of scientific activity. The project will develop this dimension in synergy with all the partners. The resulting research work will contribute to informing public decision-making. Participatory science initiatives may be initiated with actors from the project’s socio-economic and cultural eco-system.

Scientific dissemination

The dissemination of the results will be done through world-class scientific productions: publications, patents, software... In addition, the results will be communicated to various targets such as scientific communities, media, decision makers, general public, schools, etc., with an adapted calendar. Specific tools may be developed such as websites, newsletters, meetings, international symposia, summer schools and conferences.

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

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