République Française Inserm
Institut thématique Neurosciences, sciences cognitives, neurologie, psychiatrie

Postdoc position in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience at IBENS Paris

Type of contract CDD

Location Paris, France

Statut Available


Key Words glutamate receptor; synaptic microenvironment; synaptic plasticity

Details of the offer

We seek to hire a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to investigate the dynamics and role of glycine, D-serine and zinc - three key endogenous modulators of NMDA receptors - in brain function and synaptic plasticity. The dynamics and rules of neuromodulation by these three atypical factors during synaptic activity and naturally occurring stimuli remain mostly elusive due to the lack of appropriate tools for their detection and manipulation. In this project, we propose to tackle these issues using original tools - both molecular (sensors) and genetic (transgenic mice) - developed by our laboratory and by collaborators from the ENS Chemistry Department. The project combines various advanced methodologies at the cross-road between cellular electrophysiology, chemical biology, molecular pharmacology, optogenetics and cellular imaging. It is part of recently awarded ANR funding and is to be developed in the team of Pierre Paoletti at the Institute of Biology of the Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS) in Paris. The Paoletti team has worldwide recognition for its work on the structure and function of glutamate receptors, and the regulation of excitatory synapses.

IBENS is a leading European life science institute that gathers world-class researchers in Genetics & Genomics, Cell & Developmental biology, Evolution, and Neuroscience. It is located in the center of Paris and offers a highly stimulating environment, close to several other top research institutions within PSL University (Institut Curie, Collège de France, ESPCI...).

The candidate should have a solid expertise in cellular electrophysiology and imaging and strong interest in brain cell communication and synaptic biology.

The position has 2 years of initial funding, with the possibility for extension.

Type of job

Type of contract CDD

Application deadline

Mardi 30 juin 2026

Employment start date 01/02/2026

Contact

Dr. Pierre PAOLETTI pierre.paoletti@ens.psl.eu