Research Engineer in in vitro electrophysiology

---

Key Words patch clamp, epilepsy,in vitro

Details of the offer

Place of work:  Poncer/Navarro laboratory at the Paris Brain Institute 

Missions: 

A fully-funded 18-month postdoctoral or research engineer position is now available in the Poncer/Navarro laboratory at the Paris Brain Institute to study the molecular and cellular determinants of epileptogenic networks associated with focal, pharmacoresistant epilepsy. This ANR-funded collaborative project brings together 3 leading European groups in the fields of neurodevelopment and epilepsy (Stéphanie Baulac and Jean Christophe Poncer in Paris, and Denis Jabaudon at Univ. Geneva).

While a variety of functional and anatomical alterations have been associated with different forms of focal epilepsy, the cellular architecture of networks underlying epileptiform activity remains elusive. Our project aims to identify and characterize neuronal networks that generate ictal and interictal activity in the human epileptic brain. Specifically, we use brain samples therapeutically resected from epileptic patients to investigate the molecular and circuit basis of epileptiform activity in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and focal cortical dysplasia, two common forms of pharmacoresistant focal epilepsies. By combining in vitro electrophysiology and single cell transcriptomics, we will functionally interrogate specific molecular pathways and cell subtypes and their contribution to pathological activity. 

The successful candidate will join our research team 'Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy', with expertise ranging from molecular approaches to in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology in animal models and patients. They will perform in vitro electrophysiological recordings (patch-seq combined with LFP) from post-operative human brain tissue to correlate pathological network activity with single-cell electrophysiological and transcriptomic signatures. 



MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

The Research Engineer will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Patch-clamp and LFP recordings from human brain slices
• Patch-seq for single cell transcriptomics
• Electrophysiological data analysis
• Involvement in research activities, including literature review, experimental design, and data interpretation and visualization for manuscript preparation
• Ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of projects
• Report of research findings to the team leader

Qualifications: 

PROFILE

• PhD in neuroscience or equivalent

KNOW-HOW

• Extensive experience in in-vitro & ex-vivo electrophysiology with a track record of relevant publications
• Fluency in English 

KNOWLEDGE

• Patch-clamp technique in brain slices
• Extracellular (LFP) recordings
• Electrophysiological data analysis
• Familiarity with single-cell transcriptomics approaches is a plus

SOFT SKILLS

• Ability to conduct a collaborative project
• Autonomy 
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary and international team members
• Excellent communication and writing skills

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Although the nominal duration of the contract is 18 months, it is expected that this initial contract may be extended depending on available funding opportunities.

Please send your CV, a cover letter, and contact information for 2 references to j-c.poncer@icm-institute.org
The Brain Institute is committed to combating all forms of discrimination. We guarantee an inclusive and respectful working environment for all diversities. 
All our positions are open to individuals with disabilities.

Type of job

Type of contract CDD

Application deadline

Employment start date 01/09/2025

Contact

Please send your CV, a cover letter, and contact information for 2 references to j-c.poncer@icm-institute.org