Information
Founded in 1989, the Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC) is a joint research research centre between the CNRS and the Université Côte d’Azur (UCA). This multi-thematic research centre in biology benefits from its location on the exceptional site of Sophia Antipolis, Europe’s leading technology park: 2,500 companies, 10,000 students and researchers.
The 20 international research teams take advantage of state-of-the-art equipment and high level of expertise in molecular & cellular biology, imaging, cytometry, electrophysiology, functional genomics and integrative biology.
The “Physiopathology of Neural Circuits and Behaviour” team led by Hélène Marie and Jacques Barik, located within the IMPC studies the modulation of neuronal plasticity in physiological and in two main pathological conditions: Alzheimer’s disease and psychiatric disorders associated to depression and addiction. The team is particularly committed to defining and validating new therapeutic strategies to treat these diseases.
The recruited engineer will work independently on the development and validation of new therapeutic compounds to fight against Alzheimer’s disease. He/she will ensure the preparation, implementation and analysis of experimental protocols in mouse models for which he/she will ensure the phenotypic evaluation on the behavioural and histological levels. The work will be carried out under the direct scientific responsibility of Dr Marie.
The position would entails a range of responsibilities including performing experimental protocols in mice, such as stereotaxic surgeries and compound injections, and ensuring the post-operative care of the animals, carrying out experimental behaviour protocols in mice (Open Field, Morris Water Maze, etc.), treating samples for analysis through immunohistochemistry and biochemistry (Western Blot), observing sections using conventional or confocal microscopy and analysing of the resulting images through the appropriate software.
Furthermore, it involves analysis and formatting of results, regularly updating project progress and reporting any issues to managers and project collaborators. The candidate will also be expected to participate in the team’s common tasks.
Profile
The candidate must hold a Master’s degree (preferably with a biomedical or scientific orientation) and, preferably, have undergone training/certification for authorisation in the performance of procedures in animal experimentation and in the practice of surgery in rodents.
The ideal candidate should also hold knowledge in neurobiology and preferably familiarity with neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, they should hold a good knowledge of physiology and pharmacology. It is necessary to have prior experience working in a team in a professional setting.
The candidate should have expertise in designing experimental protocols in vivo, handling animals (rodents), performing animal experimentation tasks such as injections and sample collection, conducting behavioural tests in rodents. The applicant should also display proficiency in techniques like immunohistochemistry, conventional or confocal microscopy and protein biochemistry.
How to apply
A CV, a motivation letter and two letters of recommendation should be sent to: marie@ipmc.cnrs.fr
Useful links
Some recent papers published by the team:
A non-canonical GABAergic pathway to the VTA promotes unconditioned freezing
Interaction entre les récepteurs de la dopamine et ceux du glutamate