Job title:
PhD in neuroscience (M/F)
Company:
Job description
Offer DescriptionThis position is a 3-year PhD contract under CNRS 80PRIME funding, co-directed by Jérémie Naudé (CNRS, IGF, Montpellier) and Marwen Belkaid (CPJ, ETIS, Cergy). This thesis is therefore part of a wider neuro-robotics scientific project involving internal and external collaborations from which the candidate will also benefit.
Physically, the thesis project will be carried out in the Synaptic Physiopathology team at the Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle in Montpellier, with Dr Jérémie Naudé, for the experimental part. Co-direction by Dr Marwen Belkaid will be carried out partly remotely and via stays at the ETIS laboratory in Cergy, for the computational part. Dr Naudé and Dr Belkaid have already worked together in a similar configuration, so the candidate will benefit from complementary supervision. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the CBS2 doctoral school at the University of Montpellier.
The IGF is a joint laboratory of the University of Montpellier, INSERM and CNRS, with internationally recognized expertise in the analysis of biological mechanisms (neurosciences, cardiology, cancer). The Synaptic Physiopathology team, headed by Julie Perroy, is a leader in the study of the cellular and molecular basis of neuronal plasticity, the basis of learning. On the other hand, ETIS is a joint laboratory of CY Cergy Paris Université, ENSEA and CNRS, and a leading research unit in computer science and information technology in France. NEURO is an ETIS team specializing in neurorobotics, computational neuroscience and neuro-inspired artificial intelligence. The group’s research areas include developmental learning, navigation, human-robot interaction, affective and social robotics, and brain disease models, on which NEURO has built a world-class reputation.Acting jointly toward a shared goal often requires that decisions from one partner incorporate expectations about the other’s decisions. We propose to study this question using a multidisciplinary approach (neuro-robotics), and this thesis is part of the neuroscientific part of the project.
As far as individual decision-making is concerned, the neuro-cognitive basis of how animals adapt their behavior to the rewards and efforts they have (themselves) experienced has been well characterized. However, the neuro-computational architecture of joint decision-making has yet to be elucidated. We have yet to discover how the rewards and efforts of others are represented in the brain and how they causally influence behavior.
In this thesis, your aim will be to study, in a two-mice operant conditioning protocol, how one mouse evaluates the rewards and efforts of the other mouse. A first aim will be to carry out conditioning experiments varying effort and reward, in order to develop a computational model (inferring what the mouse must “compute” to achieve its behavior) accounting for these experiments. The project could then focus on one or more of the following aspects:
– Neural correlates of joint actions (electrophysiology)
– The causal role of brain structures of interest (chemo- or opto-genetics)
– The role of genetic or environmental factorsIn all cases, the research undertaken in this thesis will include behavioral experiments in mice, computational modeling, and biological manipulations; but to different degrees depending on the direction that we take. As this thesis will be carried out in a multidisciplinary collaboration, the PhD student will also have the opportunity to learn about robotics. Thus, you will have the opportunity to study how computational and robotic modeling can help to better understand the brain and behavior.
Tasks will include reviewing the literature, conducting behavioral experiments and programming automated experimental setups, developing new mathematical decision-making models, data analysis, stereotactic surgery and histology, writing scientific articles and presenting your work at scientific conferences and public events (laboratory visits, communication to the general public, etc.).RequirementsResearch Field Neurosciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Psychological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Psychological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages FRENCH Level BasicResearch Field Neurosciences Years of Research Experience NoneResearch Field Psychological sciences » Cognitive science Years of Research Experience NoneResearch Field Psychological sciences » Psychology Years of Research Experience NoneAdditional InformationAdditional commentsRequirements
For this position, you should meet the following requirements:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in neuroscience, cognitive science, or related disciplines.
- Programming skills (or strong interest)
- Keen interest for animal behavior and well-being
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Scientific curiosity and desire to work in an interdisciplinary project
- Intellectual rigor and proactive attitude
One or more of the following would be a plus:
- Previous experience in animal behavior
- Previous experience neurocomputational modeling
- Previous experience with developing behavioral setups
- Previous experience with statistical or model-based data analysis
Hiring process
All applications must be submitted via this portal (i.e. Portail emploi CNRS) by May, 31 and should include:
- CV (1 or 2 pages max)
- Motivation letter including a short description of your background, a statement of your research interests and motivation for this position, and why you think you would be a good fit (1 page)
- Academic transcripts for Undergraduate and Master’s degrees
- Two reference letters or contact details of two referees
- One or two samples of scientific writing when available (i.e. publications or project reports; links to publicly available online documents are accepted)
For full consideration, all the items listed above should be included or the absence thereof justified.
Informal inquiries via email prior to full applications are welcome.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview between June and July 2024. Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institut de génomique fonctionnelle Country France City MONTPELLIER GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact CityMONTPELLIER WebsiteSTATUS: EXPIRED
Expected salary
Location
Montpellier
Job date
Tue, 16 Apr 2024 23:50:21 GMT
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