On the neural basis of effort-based decision-making and apathy

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France

DETAILS OF THE OFFER

Working place: Lyon Neuroscience Research Center

A CNRS and INSERM laboratory, situated at Groupement Hôpitaux Lyon Est in Lyon, France. The CRNL is ideally located near both the neuroimaging center (equipped with a 3T MRI, soon-to-be-installed 7T MRI, MEG, and PET scanners) and the psychiatric and neurological departments of Lyon's hospitals. Lyon is a vibrant and beautiful city, just 1 hour from the French Alps by car, and 2 hours from the Mediterranean coast and from Paris by train

Missions:

Supervisor: Dr. Gérard Derosière, INSERM Researcher.

Project description: This project aims to leverage recent advances in effective connectivity quantification and modulation to explore the role of recurrent circuits between fronto-striatal structures and the motor cortex in effort-based decision-making and apathy. Using a multimodal approach that combines brain stimulation techniques with fMRI, we will test two main hypotheses:

1. 1. Fronto-striatal structures dynamically modulate motor cortex activity during decision-making, depending on the effort and rewards at stake.
2. 2. Altered connectivity within fronto-striato-motor circuits contributes to apathy in Parkinson’s disease patients.

Qualifications:

Profile sought: We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in Neuroscience or a related field.

Required skills: Strong programming skills (Matlab, Python, and/or R); Autonomy in problemsolving; Proficiency in English (speaking French would be a plus to work with Parkinson’s disease patients); Experience in brain stimulation and/or fMRI; Willingness to learn or experience in effective connectivity analysis of fMRI data; Experience working with neurological patients would be an asset.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a cutting-edge research environment and contribute to an important field of study with potential clinical applications.

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