The team PCAC at the Hearing Institute of Paris (Institut de l’Audition, IdA) has an open postdoctoral position in systems neuroscience with the broad goal of understanding the plasticity of central auditory circuits related to acoustic overstimulation and genetic forms of deafness.
We are seeking to recruit a talented and motivated post-doctoral fellow with experience in in-vivo electrophysiology and behavior and that is interested in cortical neural circuits which underlie auditory processing. Additional experience in computational neuroscience or molecular biology would be a plus.
Critical periods of brain plasticity correspond to defined developmental stages during which experience can shape neural circuitry (Hensch, 2005). This shaping is achieved by a combination of basic neuronal mechanisms ranging from neurogenesis and programmed cell death to activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Recent results emphasize that the maturation of inhibitory circuits is especially involved in gating the critical period. This maturation is dramatically influenced by the under-stimulation (e.g. caused by hearing loss) or over-stimulation (long-term sound or noise exposure) of the auditory system. Moreover, the acoustic environment also impacts social interactions between animals which, in turn modulate cortical plasticity and auditory learning abilities. We are interested in deciphering molecular, functional and social mechanisms governing auditory cortex plasticity during the critical period by i) delaying the hearing onset; ii) manipulating the statistics of sensory inputs to the auditory cortex.
The work will mainly focus on the thalamocortical system and the inferior colliculus and will involve an innovative system relating social interactions, in vivo electrophysiological recordings and occurring behaviors in awake and freely moving animals. Possible extensions of the project may include complimentary molecular studies in such animals.
The position will be financed for two years with possible prolongation according to performance and grant results. Candidates with a PhD in Neuroscience or related discipline and demonstrated expertise with electrophysiology in vivo and behavior are highly encouraged to apply. The project will be conducted in the beautiful city of Paris, in the brand-new Hearing Institute which also may provide exciting career opportunities for young talented researchers. Interested candidates should submit a statement of research experience and career goals, a current CV and 1 or 2 reference letters to Boris Gourévitch and Nicolas Michalski who can also be contacted for additional information if required.
Starting October 1st, 2021
Net salary: 29000k€/y (34500US$) minimum according to experience
Team: Plasticity of Central Auditory Circuits (head N. Michalski), Institut de l’Audition, Institut Pasteur, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France. https://www.institut-audition.fr/en/plasticity-central-auditory-circuits
Contact: Boris Gourévitch (boris@pi314.net, phone +33 1 76 53 50 41) ; Nicolas Michalski (nicolas.michalski@pasteur.fr, +33 6 61 73 27 87)