PhD (M/F) in Life Sciences (specialty Neurosciences)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Title: Mechanisms underlying the interplay between circadian disruption and photoreceptor degeneration
Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in industrialized countries and constitutes the most clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder in human. Gene expression programs are extensively controlled by circadian clocks, cell-autonomous molecular pacemakers with a 24h period (Koronowski and Sassone-Corsi, 2021). Circadian clocks allow adaptation of physiology and behaviour to external 24h time cues. It is established that chronic disturbance of circadian rhythms leads to increased morbidity and reduced lifespan. In the retina, clocks play a crucial role in adaptation of retinal physiology (light sensitivity, limitation of light exposure, metabolism for instance) to the light/dark cycle (Felder-Schmiottbuhl et al, 2018). However, to date the effects of clock dysfunction on retina physiopathology are not understood.
We recently demonstrated in mice that rods contain a circadian clock whose disruption synergizes with genetically-induced rod degeneration and precipitates vision loss (Gegnaw et al, 2025). The PhD project aims at characterizing the mechanisms underlying this synergy by combining our mouse model of IRD (knock in of the P23H mutation of rhodopsin) with circadian disruption induced either genetically or behaviorally, by chronic jet lag. It will involve transcriptome analyses (on microdissected photoreceptor layers to identify gene targets of circadian misalignment at early stages) with functional validation by intraocular injection, and investigation of vision by structural and functional (mainly electroretinography) studies.
The student will have access to in-house animal facility dedicated to the study of rhythmic processes (Chronobiotron, CNRS) including its equipments (electroretinography recording, light exposure, etc). Microdissection device and all imaging resources required for histology analysis are present on site (In Vitro Imaging Platform, CNRS) with allocated staff to guide users and provide support for analysis. The team has the expertise to analyse transcriptome data and perform the analysis of transcriptional regulators. The required financial resources (ANR 2026-30) will be allocated to the project.

Your Work Environment

The selected candidate will work at the Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences (INCI, UPR3212, Strasbourg), in the team "Light, Vision and the Brain" under the supervision of Dr Marie-Paule Felder-Schmittbuhl and will be registered at the ED414 doctoral school of the University of Strasbourg. The INCI hosts 9 research teams that involve around 120 collaborators, including 48 permanent researchers. The research topics cover diverse aspects of neurosciences, such as the study of subcellular mechanisms underlying interneuron communication, of the organization of neuronal networks and of their role in behavioral responses and neuropsychiatric diseases. The institute has a favorable location and a friendly atmosfere. It is well-served by public transportation and offers diverse possibilities of university catering.

Constraints and risks

Risk of bite or allergy do to handling rodents
Potential work during week ends and in shifted hours

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

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