A post-doctoral fellowship position is available for the study of the brain regions involved in social communication and stereotyped behaviours in wild-type mice and in genetic mouse models of autism. We are more specifically interested in understanding the mechanisms leading mice carrying Shank2 or Shank3 mutations, which are associated with autism, to display atypical social communication and increased stereotyped behaviours in mouse models.
The proposed project will use the synchronisation of ultrasound brain imaging and behavioural monitoring to identify brain regions involved in social communication and stereotyped behaviours in mice. both wild-type mice and in Shank2 and Shank3 mutant mice. This project will be conducted in close collaboration with the team of Michael Tanter (Inserm U1273 “Physics for Medicine”, ESPCI, Institut Langevin, Paris).
The successful candidates must have a PhD or be in the process of completing one. They should be both independent and able to work within an interdisciplinary team. Competencies required are among the following: behavioural tests in mouse models, cranial surgery, programming (Python), brain dissection and transcriptomic analyses. If the candidates do not show some of these competencies, they will be acquired on site but at least a strong interest for these topics should be displayed.
Applications including a cover letter, CV, and the email addresses of two references should be sent to: Elodie Ey, elodie.ey[@]pasteur.fr, Thomas Bourgeron, thomas.bourgeron[@]pasteur.fr, ghfc1[@]pasteur.fr