Neurotechnology and Neuroengineering M/F

Job Description

Summary of the scientific project

In neuroscience, several technological challenges persist: accessing deep structures at high resolution; multimodal integration combining electrophysiology, photonic stimulation, and imaging on chronic implants compatible with behavior; and controlling neuronal activity in behaving animals.
The purpose of this CPJ (Collaborative Project) is to advance our capabilities for recording and controlling neuronal activity—from single neurons to distributed networks in behaving animals. This CPJ will rely on cutting-edge developments in advanced optical imaging, coupled with all-optical photostimulation and electrophysiology methods for the non-invasive study of brain functions. These systems will be designed to push the boundaries of spatiotemporal resolution and investigation depth, photoacoustic imaging, and the development of endoscopes.

Summary of the teaching project

The teaching project will be implemented in two distinct phases, with the overarching objective of enhancing the visibility and appeal of NeuroTechnology and NeuroEngineering within Aix-Marseille Université. The initial phase will focus on embedding the project within the existing academic ecosystem by engaging with the educational programs (Master) offered by NeuroSchool, as well as those of Centrale Marseille, EMSE, and PolyTech Marseille. This integration aims to leverage and complement the current training opportunities available to students. Subsequently, the selected candidate will be responsible for advancing a tailored educational offering, with a particular emphasis on contributing to the establishment of a dedicated master's program in NeuroTechnology and NeuroEngineering. The curriculum development will be supported by local initiatives, including the TIGER project on the Saint-Charles campus and the fablab development project on the Timone campus, both spearheaded by CISAM+. These platforms will provide students with a hands-on environment conducive to the design and prototyping of neurotechnological devices.

Potential host facilities

• INSIS - CNRS Ingénierie
• Fresnel - Institut Fresnel
• INT - Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone

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

This Junior Professor Chair (CPJ) in Neurotechnology and Engineering aims to strengthen the strategic activities of laboratories focused on developing technology to investigate and measure the brain at unprecedented scales, depths, and resolutions in behaving animals. The Chair will bolster the NeuroTechCenter, a collaborative initiative that brings together scientists from the Aix-Marseille site in Physics (Institut Fresnel, Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille, Institut Matériaux Microélectronique Nanosciences de Provence) and Neuroscience (Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone [INT], Institut de Neurophysiopathologie [INP], Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes [INS], Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée [INMED], among others), as well as industrial partners (Ateka-Tx, Fluigent, ElveSys).
The local environment is thus conducive to hosting a Junior Professor Chair. This Chair would serve as an ideal catalyst to accelerate progress by developing research and teaching in close synergy with the site's laboratories.

Institution Strategy

Led by the INT and the Fresnel Institute, the IngeTechNeuro junior professorship directly addresses two cross-cutting challenges in the CNRS's Contract of Objectives, Means, and Performance (COMP): “the brain” and “ instrumentation without limits,” which highlight “the considerable methodological challenges and technological barriers” to integrating the complexity of brain mechanisms and “the development of neurotechnologies (brain-machine interfaces, personalized medicine, prosthetics, etc.).” This chair would enable the development of innovative tools, in connection with “organic materials” and “functional imaging techniques,” for an advanced understanding of brain activity. It would serve as a driving force for the development of neurotechnologies and disruptive neuroengineering approaches, in synergy with advances in fundamental research (“personalized medicine, prosthetics, brain-machine interfaces”).
This chair targets three impact levels: 1. At the local level, strengthening interdisciplinary synergy between neuroscience laboratories (INT, INP, INMED, INS), physics and engineering laboratories (Fresnel, IM2NP, LAM) and engineering schools (EMSE, Centrale Méditerranée, Polytech). 2. At the national level, structuring a NeuroTechnology network with collaborators in Paris Saclay and Grenoble. 3. At the international level, increasing the interdisciplinary critical mass around these approaches, which is necessary for greater visibility and attractiveness of an emerging community.
This project in NeuroTechnology is therefore perfectly in line with the CNRS's strategy, addressing the challenges of the COMP and positioning the CNRS as a major player in this field.

International Strategy

The field of neurotechnology is experiencing a global boom, as illustrated by transformative initiatives such as Janelia Farm (the "Neuropixels") in the USA or significant investments by private companies such as BlackRock (the "Utah array"). In Europe, recent developments like the "Neurotech National Centre" in Spain, the neurotechnologies master's program at the Donders Institute in the Netherlands, or the emerging hubs in Grenoble and Saclay in France reflect this momentum.
This recruitment will enhance the visibility of the NeuroTechCenter in Marseille and help create an international network (already initiated with the NeuroTechCenter in Grenoble) similar to a European Training Network, for which INT and the Institut Fresnel have extensive experience.
The Marseille site offers key advantages: strong ties with engineering schools (EMSE and Centrale Méditerranée) maintained by INT and Fresnel, a continuum of animal models ranging from in vitro rodent studies to non-human primates in behavioral research, and privileged links with the clinical services of AP-HM. This integration of fundamental research, engineering, and clinical practice creates a unique environment to attract international students and researchers.
The recruitment will boost the visibility of the NeuroTechCenter, enhance the international training program in coordination with engineering schools, and help attract foreign students to this field. The successful candidate will be able to fully dedicate themselves to building an international network to strengthen these efforts.

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

The research professions