Postdoc in Neuroscience of food intake motivation on PNH (M/F)

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is seeking a Researcher to conduct pharmacological tests and analyze behavioral data on non-human primates. The role involves supervising injections and performing brain imaging examinations. Candidates should have knowledge of brain anatomy and cognitive processes related to food intake, as well as experience working with non-human primates. This is a full-time position with a temporary contract of 6 months, beginning on February 2, 2026.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of the anatomy of non-human primates and humans.
• Knowledge of cognitive processes underlying food intake and avoidance behaviors related to anxiety disorders.
• Validated experience working with non-human primates.
• Skills in the acquisition and statistical processing of both behavioral and imaging data.
• Ability to collaborate in a multimodal and translational project.

Responsabilités

• Perform and analyze pharmacological tests on non-human primates (NHPs).
• Supervise intramuscular and intracerebral injections of pharmacological agents.
• Conduct brain imaging examinations (PET-MRI) on anesthetized animals.
• Analyze behavioral results and imaging data.
• Statistically process data and prepare it for publication.

Connaissances

General knowledge of brain anatomy

Knowledge of cognitive processes related to food intake

Skills in working with non-human primates

Skills in statistical processing of data

Ability to work in a team

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod Research Field Neurosciences Psychological sciences » Cognitive science Psychological sciences » Psychology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country France Application Deadline 29 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 2 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The candidate will be in charge of performing and analyzing pharmacological tests on non-human primates (NHPs) who perform behavioral tasks addressing approach and food avoidance. He/she will be responsible for the processing of behavioral data as well as multimodal PET (positron emission tomography) imaging and MRI performed on these animals.

The agent's main activity will be to supervise the performance of intramuscular and intracerebral injections of pharmacological agents on the NHP and to measure the behavioral effects on a food preference task. He/she will therefore have to supervise a set of experimental procedures:

• He/she will have to perform stereotactic, intracerebral injections in the NHP, in different territories of the Striatum compared to injections made by systemic route (intramuscular injection).
• He/she will have to perform brain imaging examinations (PET-MRI) on anesthetized animals.
• He/she will be in charge of the analysis of behavioral results as well as imaging on the NHP.
• In general, he/she will be in charge of the statistical processing of the acquired data and of bringing them to the scientific publication stage.

The Pathophysiology of the Basal Ganglia team is specialized in the study of neurological (Parkinson's disease) and psychiatric (impulsivity, anxiety and eating disorders) disorders resulting from dysfunctions of these subcortical structures. This team is part of the Marc Jeannerod Institute of Cognitive Sciences, which is located in Bron on the Vinatier site. This laboratory has access to the CERMEP brain imaging platform, located a 5-minute walk from the Institute. This project on the theme of behavioral neuroscience and the neural basis of motivational and decision-making disorders is carried out as part of a translational research project funded by the French National Research Agency. The contract is for a period of 6 months. Normal working hours.
The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival be authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Research Field Psychological sciences » Cognitive science Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Research Field Psychological sciences » Psychology Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

The candidate must have:

• general knowledge of the anatomy of the brain of HNPs and/or humans,
• knowledge of the cognitive processes underlying food intake and the avoidance behaviours that characterise anxiety disorders,
• skills to work with HNPs, ideally validated by previous experience.
• skills in the acquisition and statistical processing of behavioral and imaging data.
• Ability to work in a team on a multimodal and translational project from animal to patient