Connectionists: Postdoctoral positions in systems and circuits neurophysiology - Paris Brain Institute

[Nikolas Karalis]

We invite applications for postdoctoral researchers with strong expertise in
*in vivo electrophysiology* and *circuit neuroscience *to join our
team Neuronal
Circuits & Brain Dynamics <http://neuronaldynamics.eu/> at the Paris Brain
Institute <https://institutducerveau-icm.org/en/> (ICM).

Our project focuses on how neuromodulators (NE, DA, 5-HT, ACh) reshape
large-scale circuit dynamics, inter-area communication, and state-dependent
reconfiguration across hippocampal, prefrontal, and thalamic networks. Our
experiments are designed to generate datasets that constrain mechanistic
interpretations.

The researcher will lead experimental work combining:


   - high-density extracellular electrophysiology (such as Neuropixels
   probes)
   - neuromodulator readouts (GRAB sensors, fiber photometry)
   - targeted perturbations (optogenetics, chemogenetics, *in vivo* genome
   editing)
   - behavioral paradigms (used to structure internal state transitions)

*Required background and mindset*

We are looking for an experimentalist with quantitative spirit, deep
interest on underlying mechanisms, and hands-on, problem-solving mentality.


   - Extensive hands-on experience with *in vivo* electrophysiology in
   rodents
   (surgeries, recordings, manipulations)
   - Demonstrated ability to independently run complex experiments
   - Willingness to modify hardware, software, or analysis pipelines when
   needed
   - Comfortable preprocessing own data
   - Understanding spike sorting, quality control, cell-types, circuit
   motifs, extracellular signals, data organization, and reproducible pipelines
   - Data analysis is a core goal, not an afterthought
   - Interested in multi-region dynamics, state-dependent computation, and
   neuromodulation
   - Comfort connecting physiological observations to circuit architecture.
   - Ability to drive an ambitious experimental project and collaborate
   with theorists
   - Optional but valuable: experience with photometry, 1P/2P imaging, or
   slice electrophysiology

We strongly encourage applications from individuals that have been
traditionally underrepresented in the sciences.


*Responsibilities:*


   - Design and perform multi-region electrophysiology chronic and acute
   experiments
   - Integrate Neuropixels data with simultaneous neuromodulator recordings
   - Design, implement, and interpret circuit perturbation experiments
   - Generate multi-modal datasets combining behavior, physiology, and
   neuromodulation
   - Collaborate and engage critically with theorists developing
   multi-level models

*Research culture*

Research in our lab is driven by the belief that understanding brain
function requires *quantitative, mechanistic reasoning** grounded in
high-quality physiological data*.

We prioritize careful experimental design, deep engagement with raw
signals, and an explicit connection between circuit structure, population
dynamics, and computation.

Lab members are expected to take ownership of their experiments and
analyses end-to-end, to question assumptions, and to engage critically
across disciplines.

Intellectual rigor, technical independence, and clarity of thought are
central to the lab’s culture.



*Opportunities*

As a postdoctoral researcher in our group:


   - You will be an integral part of shaping our research direction and
   team culture. You will engage in exciting and meaningful research and will
   have access to all the tools necessary to push the boundaries of scientific
   exploration, with our cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art
   facilities.
   - You will have ample opportunities to develop vital skills for your
   future academic career, such as mentoring, grant writing, presenting your
   work, publishing papers, and leading projects to completion. In parallel,
   you will gain invaluable first-hand experience in setting up and managing a
   young research team.
   - We encourage participation in conferences and workshops, where you can
   present your research findings to the wider scientific community.

*Why join our team*


   - We are a young and vibrant group of scientists, fueled by curiosity
   and passion for understanding the brain. We work as a team and use or
   invent cutting-edge neurotechnologies to answer fundamental questions in
   neuroscience.
   - Our team is committed to the training, mentorship, and career
   development of the next generation of neuroscientists. To achieve that, we
   foster an inclusive and supportive environment, where we can learn and
   advance science while having fun in the process.
   - Our work is multi-disciplinary, and so is our team. Irrespective of
   your background and project, our research environment will expose you to a
   diverse range of experimental and computational aspects of systems and
   circuits neuroscience.
   - Working in our team will provide you with invaluable experience across
   all stages of research, and you will have the opportunity to engage in
   experiment design and execution, method development, software design, and
   data analysis, as well as publishing and communicating research results.
   - Our team is affiliated with Inserm <https://www.inserm.fr/> and is
   located in the Paris Brain Institute (ICM)
   <https://institutducerveau-icm.org/>, where we have access to
   state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
   - Our vibrant community at the ICM and throughout Paris promotes broad
   collaboration and learning opportunities.


If you would like to know more, visit our website: neuronaldynamics.eu and
read about our team's mission and values
<https://www.neuronaldynamics.eu/team/mission-values>.



*How to apply*

If you are eager to join our vibrant research community and contribute to
groundbreaking discoveries, we warmly welcome your application.


Please send a statement of your past work and future research interests,
your CV, and contact information for 1-3 references to the address:
apply at neuronaldynamics.eu

-- 
Nikolas Karalis
Neuronal Circuits & Brain Dynamics Lab <http://neuronaldynamics.eu/> -
Paris Brain Institute
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