Post-Doc Position In Cellular Neuroscience

The advertised position is a 1‑year postdoctoral scholar role funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) and hosted by the Institut des Neurosciences Paris‑Saclay (NeuroPSI), a joint CNRS‑University of Paris‑Saclay unit located in Saclay, approximately 25 km south of Paris. The research focuses on neuron‑astrocyte communication, specifically examining transcription‑factor dependent signaling pathways that have been overlooked in favor of calcium‑based readouts. The project aims to decipher how astrocyte‑specific transcriptional programs influence astrocyte‑neuron crosstalk and ultimately modulate social behavior in mice.

Key experimental approaches include stereotaxic viral vector delivery to manipulate astrocyte transcription factors in the hippocampus, comprehensive mouse behavioral testing to assess social interactions, histology and confocal microscopy to visualize cellular changes, and quantitative biochemical and molecular analyses to measure signaling activity. The candidate will be expected to independently design, execute, and analyze experiments, take leadership of the project, present progress reports at group meetings, participate in collaborations, attend conferences, and mentor or teach junior researchers.

The position is situated within the “Astrocyte signaling in health and neurodegenerative diseases” theme under the direction of Carole Escartin, with direct supervision from Lucile Ben Haim. NeuroPSI provides a state‑of‑the‑art multidisciplinary environment spanning brain development to integrative network neuroscience, offering access to core facilities for viral production, imaging, and behavioral phenotyping.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a closely related field, preferably with 1‑4 years of post‑doctoral research experience, and possess basic proficiency in French. Essential skills include expertise in molecular biology, viral techniques, microscopy, and behavioral analysis, as well as the ability to work both independently and within a team.

Applications are submitted via the CNRS job portal at https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR9197-LUCBEN-001/Default.aspx. The deadline for submission is 23 June 2026 (23:59 UTC), and the anticipated start date is 1 October 2026. Only one position is available.