PhD doctoral student position in Neuroscience (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Spatial navigation relies on multisensory integration to generate internal representations of space and direction, particularly head direction (HD) signals. This doctoral project aims to analyze the multisensory determinants (e.g., visuovestibular) of HD signals in mice—as they relate to stimuli and voluntary movements—in order to elucidate their role in goal-directed navigation. The candidate will study mouse behavior, as well as the thalamocortical and parahippocampal networks containing HD cells, based on the premise that the HD system is not merely a passive responder to visuovestibular inputs but also integrates information from the ideomotor system. The candidate will focus on the presubiculum (PrS), which functions as an internal compass. HD neurons in the PrS receive input from the hypothalamus via the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN), transforming vestibular information into a stable HD code anchored to visual landmarks. We hypothesize that the determinants of HD circuit dynamics depend heavily on the behavioral context and that active, goal-directed behavior is guided by HD codes that vary over time.
The results will help clarify the bidirectional interaction between active navigation and the encoding of spatial orientation, which could inspire new strategies for brain-machine interfaces. Indeed, some studies have shown that HD signals are anticipatory, depending on the degree of activity, voluntariness, or predictability of movements. After integrating various sources of information into a coherent estimate of head direction, the system would play a central role in guiding goal-oriented navigation, further highlighting its close, bidirectional relationship with behavior.
The objectives of this doctoral project are (i) to provide a comprehensive characterization of how visual, vestibular, and ideomotor information is integrated across different regions of the HD system; (ii) to determine the role of HD circuit dynamics in guiding navigation by testing the impact of sensory perturbations, as well as active or passive movements, on neural coding and behavior.

Your Work Environment

The Saints-Pères Paris Institute of Neurosciences (SPPIN UMR8003) is a joint unit of the CNRS and Paris Cité University that brings together basic neuroscience research teams focused on neurobiology, neurophysiology, and optical sciences. SPPIN provides access to state-of-the-art facilities within the multidisciplinary scientific environment of the Faculty of Fundamental and Biomedical Sciences.

Constraints and risks

none

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

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