Shedding light on prefrontal cortex cellular and synaptic correlates of memory formation.
This thesis project is part of the sub-project memory

PhD Thesis project Humeau (IINS, Bordeaux, supervisor)/ Frick (NCM, Bordeaux, partner)

The PhD project’s objective is dual.

Design and validate viral tools for the labeling, investigation and manipulation of different types of engram cells in vivo.
Approach: We will tag neurons engaged in memory tasks, called engram cells, using light-gated Cal-Light (DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3902) and CamPARI approaches. We will create new constructs enabling us to target, alter, or manipulate specific neuron types, starting with parvalbumin, somatostatin and VIP interneurons and principal neurons defined by their axonal projections. The objective is to define the condition of use and the limitations of both approaches. This effort will be conducted with the help of the GPR-memory engineer that will design and produce novel viral tools.

Decipher the synaptic, cellular and network correlates of learning and memory in the prefrontal cortex.
Approaches: We will tag neurons engaged in behavioral memory tasks in C57/bl6 mice. We will record their activity using electrophysiological and calcium imaging approaches. To study the cellular and synaptic proxies of memory, we will use ex vivo, in situ patch-clamp based in vivo strategies. Ultimately, we will also use viral tools to specifically manipulate synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex engram cells to establish a causality link between learning and plasticity. If permitted by time, the potential of novel tools to restore learning abilities in CD mouse models will be tested.

Contact: yann.humeau@u-bordeaux.fr and andreas.frick@inserm.fr

The team « Adult neurogenesis and physiopathology » led by Dr Nora Abrous, at the Neurocentre Magendie INSERM U1215 in Bordeaux, is seeking for a highly motivated and talented young researcher for a 3 year postdoctoral contract to work on a FRM-funded project.

Project:

One research axis of Abrous lab is to better understand the differences/similarities between developmentally-born and adult-born granule neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. The overarching goal of the FRM-funded project is to characterize the cellular, molecular and functional properties of the different cohorts of dentate granule neurons both under physiological condition and in response to adverse life events known to precipitate mental disorders. More specifically, the recruited postdoc will analyze the cellular (spines, axons, inputs, outputs…) and molecular (transcriptomic profile) characteristics of these different populations using a wide range of approaches: stereotaxic injections of virus, in vivo electroporation, transgenic mice, tissue clearing, confocal microscopy, RNAseq…

Candidate:

We are seeking for an enthusiastic candidate, with strong background in neuroscience and with expertise in RNAseq and bioinformatics. A theoretical background on hippocampal neurogenesis as well as previous experience with animal work and confocal microscopy will be valued.

Environment:

The successful candidate will work independently on his/her project, but interact closely with Dr Emilie Pacary and collaborate with other team members. He/She will be supported in his/her project by technical assistants for viral production, mouse breeding. The candidate will benefit from an excellent work environment, including various state-of–the art research facilities at Neurocentre Magendie (Genotyping, Transcriptomic…) and Bordeaux Neurocampus (Bordeaux Imaging Center, Bordeaux Bioinformatics Center…). Located in beautiful Bordeaux, the Neurocentre Magendie is one of the leading French centers in neuroscience research.

The position is available from 1st October 2022 and for 3 years.

Application:

Applications should include:

-A cover letter describing past research, research interest, career goals, and motivation to join our team
-A CV with the publication list
-Two references

Please submit your application to Emilie Pacary emilie.pacary@inserm.fr

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

12-month fixed-term contract
Inserm U1215

Position : The person recruited will work in the genotyping platform of the Neurocentre Magendie (Inserm Bordeaux), in a team of 3 people. The platform centralises the genotyping requests of several research teams in Bordeaux and offers a high-speed service. The technician will be responsible for carrying out genotyping using PCR techniques, updating computer files and maintaining the laboratory.

Activity Main tasks :
- Prepare materials, analytical equipment, reagents and samples
- Receive and sort samples, identify priorities
- Carry out the processing of samples (DNA extraction, PCR) within the given deadlines and according to the procedures in force
- Operate an automated platform
- Interpret and verify the conformity of analytical results according to specifications
- Monitor the progress of work and update laboratory notebooks and computer files
- Manage stocks of consumables
- Maintain the laboratory and glassware
- Carry out maintenance of materials and equipment
- Update protocols

Knowledge
In-depth knowledge of molecular biology and biotechnology, in particular DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR and electrophoresis techniques.
-Knowledge of and compliance with health and safety regulations and good laboratory practice
laboratory practices

Skills
-Mastery of benchtop techniques, in particular the practice of PCR
-Mastering of computer tools (pack office minimum)
-Ability to communicate with the team to report on the progress of procedures and problems
problems encountered.
-Respect procedures and be autonomous in their implementation

Skills
- Thoroughness,
- Autonomy,
- Organisational skills,
- Integration within a team

Desired qualifications
BTS or Bac+3

The team « Adult neurogenesis and physiopathology » at the Neurocentre Magendie UMR 1215 in Bordeaux, is seeking a highly motivated young researcher for a 18 to 24-months postdoctoral contract to work on the FRM-funded project ” Neurobiological Pathways linking Developmental Stress to Mental Disorders ”.

The aim of the project is to analyze the involvement of hippocampal neurogenesis in the behavioral consequences of stress experienced in utero. For this two main lines of research will be developed by the recruited post-doc: 1) analyze the short and long term consequences of prenatal stress on anatomical and functional development of the hippocampal network using state of the art viral and imaging approaches; 2) test the existence of a pathophysiological pathway linking glucocorticoid receptors, adult neurogenesis, and maladaptive behavior using viral and transgenic approaches.

Expected background and skills: A theoretical background on developmental origins of mental diseases, hippocampal neurogenesis, glucocorticoids will be valued.

Required technical skills : Mice behavior, Stereotaxic surgery, Expertise in confocal analysis and in brain mapping of activity using immediate early genes, classical neuroscience-related methods such as immunohistochemistry, ELISA assays….

The position is available right now and for 18 to 24 months depending on starting date.

Applications should include:
- A cover letter describing your past research experiments, your research interest, career goals, and motivation to join our team
- A CV with the publication list and contact information of two references

Please submit your application to Muriel Koehl muriel.koehl@inserm.fr

We are looking for an engineer assistant who has experience on steroid quantification by gas
chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMSMS) to assist the responsible of the Analytical Chemistry platform
of the Neurocentre Magendie (Bordeaux, France). The Analytical Chemistry Platform offers and develops
specific quantification methods using high performance mass spectrometry instruments coupled with all the
types of chromatography for each kind of neuroscience projects involving steroids, cannabinoids and of
neurotransmitters.

Job Responsibilities
• steroids quantification by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMSMS)
• cannabinoids quantification by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMSMS)
• neurotransmitters quantification by capillary electrophoresis (CE-LIF)
• biological sample preparation by liquid-liquid or solid-phase extraction
• mass spectrometry daily maintenance
• management of laboratory consumables

Candidate Requirements
• degree in chemistry or biochemistry (BTS, IUT, BSc, Master)
• industrial or University experience
• strong experience in gas chromatography mass spectrometry
• ability to plan and methodically perform experiments
• ability to carefully analyze results
• disposition or readiness to use Excell, GraphPad and Xcalibur softwares
• flexible, self-motivated and able to work well as part of a team

Job Information
Employment start date: 2022-04-01/2022-04-30
Contract length: 1 year (renewable)
Institution: Neurocentre Magendie – INSERM U1215 – Bordeaux, France.

Contact Information
Applicants must email a single PDF file with CV, experience statement and covering letter.
Isabelle Matias
Isabelle.matias@inserm.fr

▪▪▪ Post-doctoral position for 2 years, starting in April 2021
▪▪▪ 35-42 k€ + benefits / year, depending on the experience of the applicant
▪▪▪ We are using state of the art circuit dissection in mice to pin point the functional role of neural populations of the insular cortex in emotional valence and anxiety, and to identify cellular and synaptic dysfunctions of those populations in stress-induced models of psychiatric pathologies
▪▪▪ We are looking for an expert of SLICE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY and SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY in mice
▪▪▪ The lab is part of the Bordeaux Neurocampus encompassing more than 50 labs dedicated to Neuroscience, providing an exceptionally rich environment.
▪▪▪ Send a CV including three references, and a cover letter describing experience, goals and reasons for the interest in this position (anna.beyeler@inserm.fr).
▪▪▪ Google scholar: https://scholar.google.fr/citations?user=bTLNLBEAAAAJ&hl=en

We are searching for a highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher to join the research team Energy Balance and Obesity at the INSERM Unit 1215, Neurocentre Magendie (http://www.neurocentre-magendie.fr/cota) in Bordeaux, France.

The research focus of the team is the study of the neurobiology of obesity and diabetes. The project that the successful candidate will carry out aims at studying the molecular and functional heterogeneity of hypothalamic neurons implicated in food intake and body weight regulation.

This project is fully funded by an ANR (French National Research Agency) grant. The candidate will use specific genetic murine models, stereotaxic surgery, and viral approaches, associated with in vivo behavioral and metabolic assessments, molecular biology, and neuroanatomical analysis. The project will also involve the use of in vivo calcium imaging.

Candidates should have a doctoral degree in neuroscience/neurobiology/nutrition/or metabolism. Previous experience in the study of hypothalamic neuronal circuits in rodent models is preferred. The ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a team is essential.

The appointment is for 2 years, but candidates will be encouraged and guided to apply for additional funding opportunities. The position is available starting from April 2021.

Candidates should send their CV, motivation letter, list of publications, and 2 letters of reference to Dr. Carmelo Quarta (carmelo.quarta@inserm.fr) and Dr. Daniela Cota (daniela.cota@inserm.fr).

The Cortical Plasticity group at the Neurocentre Magendie (Bordeaux, France) is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to join their group in 2020.

We are interested in the function of neocortical circuits and their pathophysiological modification in neurodevelopmental disorders. In particular, we study sensory information processing and perception. To address this, we will use in vivo calcium imaging (two-photon/miniscope) and electrophysiological approaches (multi-electrode/whole-cell) in behaving mice.
We are looking for a highly motivated and proactive candidate with experience in in vivo electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging and analysis of this data. The successful candidate is expected to make significant contributions to the direction and conceptualization of the project. The appointee must have a PhD or equivalent qualification in either neuroscience, life sciences, medicine, or physics. The candidate should also have a good level of proficiency in English.

The team is based at the Neurocentre Magendie, an INSERM research institute, and a member of the Bordeaux Neurocampus — a center of excellence for neuroscience research in France. The day-to-day language is English, but support would be provided for learning French if the candidate so wishes.

The project is funded for three years.

Interested applicants should send a cv, brief statement of research experience and interests, and names of 2-3 references to Dr. Andreas Frick: andreas.frick@inserm.fr