The Nicol & Fassier lab at the Vision Institute (Paris, France) is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join the “Mechanisms of Sensory Map Development” team. The Vision Institute is part of Sorbonne University, CNRS, and Inserm, and offers a highly multidisciplinary environment with teams active in fields ranging from theoretical neuroscience and developmental biology to the development of retinal prostheses.
Our team investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the precise wiring of neuronal networks. The successful candidate will join our ANR-funded MASTERCIL project, which aims to investigate the role of the primary cilium as a major command center for neuronal migration. The primary cilium is a sensory antenna located near the cell body at the rear of migrating neurons. Our recent work has identified a role for second messenger signals generated locally within the primary cilium as the steering mechanism for migrating neurons. Remarkably, this guiding role is traditionally attributed to the growth cone at the cell front, which actively explores its environment and pulls the cell body forward. The MASTERCIL project aims to identify the specific roles of the primary cilium and growth cone command centers in neuronal migration and to investigate how the two command centers communicate to direct migration. The successful candidate will address these challenging questions using various cutting-edge imaging techniques, including live videomicroscopy, optogenetics, and TIRF imaging, combined with genetically encoded molecular tools that enable the manipulation of subcellular signals in different in vitro and ex vivo migration models.
The successful applicant should hold a Ph.D. in cell biology or neuroscience. Previous experience in live-cell imaging and/or primary cell cultures is preferred but not required. The candidate is expected to work independently on the design and implementation of the experiments.
The position is funded for 2 years, beginning in April 2027, with the possibility of further extension. Applications should be sent to Melody Atkins ([email protected]) and include a statement of research accomplishments and interests, a CV, and the contact information of three references.
For more information about our team, please follow these links:
www.xaviernicol.toile-libre.org
https://www.institut-vision.org/en/research/mechanisms-sensory-map-development
