Postdoc Position – Cellular Determinants of Epileptic Networks Associated with Focal Cortical Dysplasia

75005 Paris (France)            ·           Full time

A fully funded 36-month postdoc position is open immediately in the Poncer laboratory at the Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, to study the cellular determinants of epileptic networks associated with focal cortical dysplasia. This ANR-funded collaborative project brings together 3 leading European groups in the fields of neurodevelopment and epilepsy (S Baulac at the Paris Brain Institute, JC Poncer at IFM, and D Jabaudon at Univ. Geneva).

Cortical malformations are a major cause of childhood epilepsy and are often caused by germline mutations but also by somatic mutations affecting only a subset of neurons. Such brain mosaicism is implicated in several neurodevelopmental disorders and cortical malformations, including focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), which is the most common developmental malformation causing refractory epilepsy. Our project aims to understand how FCD promotes epilepsy. Specifically, we wish to explore the molecular and circuit basis of cortical malformation and epileptogenesis in FCD. By combining single-cell transcriptomics and electrophysiological studies on postoperative tissue from human CFD patients and a clinically relevant mouse model, we will functionally interrogate specific molecular pathways and cell subtypes and their contribution to circuit hyperexcitability.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team focused on the molecular and cellular determinants of epileptic networks, with expertise ranging from single molecule tracking approaches to in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology. He/she will perform in vitro electrophysiological recordings (patch-seq combined with LFP) from postoperative human brain tissue and brain slices from animal FCD models to correlate pathological network activity with single-molecule electrophysiological and transcriptomic signatures. He/she will also participate in consortium activities including annual scientific meetings, progress reports, and interaction with patient organizations for outreach activities.

Candidates should have a PhD in neuroscience and a strong background in in vitro slice electrophysiology (patch clamp). Excellent teamwork and communication skills in English are required.

To apply, please send a CV, a brief description of experience and research interests, and the names and email addresses of two references to jean-christophe.poncer@inserm.fr.

The Institut du Fer à Moulin is a research center affiliated with Inserm and the Sorbonne University, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter in Paris. It hosts 8 research teams focusing on neurodevelopment and nervous system disorders and 3 state-of-the-art experimental platforms for photonic microscopy, cell engineering and behavioral exploration. The Institut du Fer a Moulin supports the Alba initiative and guarantees equal opportunities.