Description of the thesis topic

We are recruiting a PhD student for a collaborative project, funded by the ANR, on the role of the interactions between the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in decision-making under uncertainty. Adaptive decision-making relies on the ability to arbitrate between exploration (seeking new information) and exploitation (optimally using acquired knowledge), a balance that is often disrupted in many psychiatric disorders.
This PhD project aims to characterize, both temporally and specifically, the interactions between the MD and the OFC during adaptive decision-making in rats. The thesis has two main objectives:
Objective 1. Oscillatory dynamics in the MD-OFC circuit during adaptive decision-making
We will study neural dynamics during a three-armed bandit task using local field potential recordings.
Objective 2. Contribution of MD neurons to adaptive decision-making
The goal is to characterize the contribution of MD neurons to decision-making processes. To do so, we will use high-density recordings (Neuropixels) in the MD, combined with LFP recordings in the OFC, during a three-armed bandit task.

The PhD student's missions will therefore consist of: 1) designing experimental studies (behavioral testing, electrophysiology) and collecting data to address the two objectives of the thesis, 2) analyzing data and conducting literature reviews, 3) presenting findings at scientific conferences, and 4) writing articles for scientific journals.

Work Context

The project will be conducted at the CRNL, which is equipped for animal experimentation, in vivo electrophysiology, behavioral and electrophysiological signal analysis.
The student will be integrated into the CMO (Olfaction from Coding to Memory) and Forgetting (Processes of Forgetting and Cortical Dynamics) teams at the CRNL, which bring together researchers, engineers, and engineering assistants (https://www.crnl.fr/fr/equipe/cmo & https://www.crnl.fr/fr/ equipe/forgetting ). The student will benefit from the expertise of two teams in the fields of thalamocortical dynamics, animal behavior, and electrophysiological recordings. He/she will be trained to the specific techniques of the project (surgery, in vivo electrophysiological recordings, behavior, and data analysis in Python).

The candidate must hold a Master's degree (M2 Research) in Neuroscience or a related field. Experience in animal behavior (rodents) and/or in the acquisition and analysis of in-vivo electrophysiological data (LFP or spikes) would be a significant advantage. Additionally, programming skills (Python) will be valued.

We are looking for a motivated and committed early-career researcher to develop behavioral tasks and integrate them with electrophysiological recordings. The ideal candidate should demonstrate perseverance, organization, and autonomy, which are key to the success of the project. A strong command of scientific English (both written and spoken) is also required.

This person will also be expected to report the progress of their work to their supervisors.

Constraints and risks

Handling of live animals (rats). Compliance with animal experimentation protocols approved by the ethics committee (authorization request pending). Use of anesthetics and sterile agents in accordance with biosafety standards. Strict compliance with standards for electrophysiology and surgical procedures.