Doctorate in Neuroscience (M/F)
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 month
- BAC+5
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
69675 BRON
Contract Duration
36 month
Date of Hire
01/10/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 22 July 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
The serotonergic system has long been suspected to play an etiological role in a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, compulsive behaviors, risk-taking behaviors, and impulse-control disorders. However, due to conflicting findings, the relationship between serotonin (5-HT) and these various symptoms or personality traits remains poorly understood. In particular, 5-HT2A receptors are thought to be critical for the development and maintenance of certain motor, emotional, and cognitive symptoms, as several treatments with strong 5-HT2A activity (e.g., atypical antipsychotics and psychedelics) have demonstrated therapeutic benefits in many patients. The objective of this project is to determine whether and how different 5-HT2A-targeting agents modulate brain activity to induce or alleviate atypical or maladaptive behaviors. To address this question, we propose a neuroimaging study in non-human primates using a multimodal platform combining positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The causal contribution of 5-HT2A receptors to the modulation of behavioral phenotypes will be assessed both under freely moving conditions and during the performance of a decision-making task involving motor responses and choices associated with varying levels of risk. A prospect theory–based modeling approach will be used to estimate subjective probability weighting and sensitivity to potential gains. We will also investigate potential interactions between the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in order to elucidate the neural mechanisms associated with 5-HT2A receptor function. Taken together, these studies will provide new insights into the role of 5-HT2A receptors in mediating both the therapeutic and adverse effects of various psychoactive drugs. Ultimately, this work may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies and support more personalized pharmacological approaches for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Your Work Environment
Position based at the Bron campus – Lyon East Hospitals, within the Marc Jeannerod Institute of Cognitive Sciences (ISCMJ, CNRS UMR 5229) in Bron (Lyon), France.
The student will join an interdisciplinary research team combining behavioral neuroscience, neurophysiology, computational modeling, and brain imaging. The project is part of an integrated research approach aimed at understanding the neural basis of behavior and cognition in non-human primates.
By joining the CNRS, you will benefit from:
- A stimulating research environment alongside leading scientists and research staff
- 44 days of annual leave (including RTT days)
- Excellent working conditions, including flexible working hours
- Reimbursement of 75% of public transportation costs, plus a sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300 per year
- Easy access by public transportation and private on-site parking
Constraints and risks
- Work in a biomedical and primatology research environment, requiring strict adherence to hygiene, safety, and confidentiality regulations.
- Occasional access to 3T MRI imaging facilities and experimental areas subject to specific procedures, including access authorization, mandatory safety training, and compliance with ethical regulations.
- Handling of sensitive research data, requiring particular attention to data security and confidentiality.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
2300 € gross monthly
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
| Offer reference | UMR5229-BENPAS-002 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Brain, cognition and behaviour |
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.
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