Researcher in Electrophysiology and Computational Modeling (M/F)

EURAXESS Ireland; Friauville; Hybrid; EUR 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

CNRS invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) position at the Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay. The project explores oscillations in claustrum networks using electrophysiology, optogenetics, imaging and computational modelling.

The role covers in vitro experiments, brain slice preparation, patch-clamp/MEA recordings, calcium imaging, data analysis and publication-quality reporting. Proficiency in Python and interdisciplinary collaboration are required.

Qualifications

• Solid knowledge of neuroscience principles from neurons to networks.
• Experience with in vitro experiments and brain slice preparation.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrophysiology experiments (patch-clamp, MEA) and data collection.
• Analyse data and contribute to modelling efforts.
• Prepare results for publication and write reports.

Skills

Electrophysiology

In vivo brain surgery

Calcium imaging

Neural network modelling

Python

Tools

CNRS Emmy AI

AdEx modelling

Mean-field modelling

Job description

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay Research Field Neurosciences Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 28 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 10 Jan 2027 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

Exploration and modelling of the oscillation properties of a biological neural network: the claustrum. Experimental work (electrophysiology, optogenetics, imaging), data analysis, modelling of the results obtained using AdEx neural networks and mean-field models.
Full command of the experimental workflow, from brain dissection, slice preparation and artificial survival maintenance, to patch-clamp or MEA recordings of neurons, pharmacological and optogenetic interventions, slice incubation and calcium imaging.
Data acquisition, results analysis; proficiency with the CNRS Emmy AI and use of data in the context of modelling. Formatting and writing of results in the form of a publication.

Experimentation and modelling. Mouse brain dissections for sampling (EVP), complementary electrophysiological recording experiments on brain slices in order to complete a publication. Data analysis. Modelling of the electrophysiological properties of claustrum neuron subtypes, based on the results obtained, with a view to preparing a publication.

The ANR CLAwaves project brings together four research teams, two experimental and two computational, and has funded the research of this programme. The programme in which this position is now situated consists in completing the exploration of the oscillatory properties of the claustral neural network in order to extract the mechanisms at the cellular and synaptic scales, and then to integrate them into simulations at different scales (population, mean-field, virtual brain). The role will consist in completing the ongoing in vitro experiments on the claustrum and preparing them for modelling and for a publication to be submitted within four months of the postdoc.

A solid knowledge of biological principles in neuroscience, from single neurons to neural networks. Competence in small-animal surgery for the preparation of brain slices, with a designer-level diploma and surgery-level certification. Extensive practice of electrophysiology techniques (dual patch-clamp, current-clamp, voltage-clamp, optogenetics, MEA), calcium imaging and immunohistochemical labelling (Biocytin staining; antibodies; staining). Dual biology-computer science competence, with at least proficiency in the Python language and experience in modelling (AdEx and mean-field models).