Key Words
Details of the offer
A 3-year PhD position is avaible in the Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory (LNEC, INSERM U-1084, University of Poitiers) to work on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying maladaptive choices.
Adaptive behavior requires the balance between two types of actions: goal-directed and habitual behavior (Vandaele, 2024). However, several psychiatric disorders are associated with an excessive reliance on habitual behaviors at the expense of goal-directed control, resulting in maladaptive and inflexible behavior.
In this project, the PhD student will study the neural bases of the balance between goal-directed and habitual behaviors. The project will have three main objectives:
- Characterization of the behavioral model and the factors influencing the balance between goal-directed and habitual behaviors.
- Investigation of brain activity associated with the shift from habitual to goal-directed behavior using fiber photometry, focusing on the anterior cingulate cortex and the dorsal striatum.
- Investigation of the causal role of the anterior cingulate cortex and dorsal striatum in the balance between goal-directed and habitual behaviors using optogenetic approaches.
Academic Background and Training
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, neurobiology, cognitive sciences, or related fields (experimental psychology, pharmacology, biology).
- Prior experience in experimental research (Master’s internship, research project, etc.), preferably in a neuroscience laboratory.
- Initial training in animal experimentation.
Technical Skills
- Experience in animal behavior (rodent handling, operant conditioning).
- Knowledge or experience in neurophysiology techniques (fiber photometry, neuronal activity recording).
- Data analysis skills (neural signal processing, statistics); programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or R) would be a plus.
Scientific and Personal Qualities
- Strong interest in behavioral neuroscience and the neurobiology of executive functions.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.
- Critical thinking and scientific rigor to analyze and interpret complex data.
- Good scientific writing skills (French and English) and ability to present research findings in oral presentations.
More info
Type of job
Type of contract CDD
Application deadline
Employment start date 01/10/2025
