France: post-doctoral position developmental neurobiology at The Institute of Neurosciences of Montpellier

"The Institute of Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM) is a research centre dedicated to the study of the physiopathology of sensory (audition, vision, somatosensation) and motor systems by a multidisciplinary strategy (molecular genetics, cellular imaging, electrophysiology, and in vivo analyses). Interests range from basic research to preclinical studies leading to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treating dysfunctions of these systems.
A 2-year post-doctoral position is available to carry out a project to study the fundamental question of how sensory neurons transducing touch connect with their synaptic partners in the spinal cord. In previous work, we have shown that transcription factors of the Maf family and the Ret signalling pathway play essential roles in the development of mechanosensory neurons of the sensory ganglia. Recently, we identified a cell adhesion molecule whose expression in touch-sensing neurons depends on cMaf. Our objective is to analyse the function of this adhesion molecule in the formation of cutaneous projections and of touch neuron/spinal interneuron connectivity by studying mice in which the gene is conditionally deleted in somatosensory neurons and/or their spinal target neurons. We are looking for a highly-motivated candidate with a strong interest in developmental neurobiology. Experience in cell biological techniques such as cell and explant culture and tracing of axonal projections would be an advantage."


Contact Information
Dr. Patrick Carroll
INSERM U.1051
Neural differentiation and connectivity in the somatosensory system
rue Augustion Fliche
34091 Montpellier
France
Phone:     (33) 4 99636041
Fax:     (33) 4 99636020
E-mail:     carroll@univ-montp2.fr
Website:     http://www.inmfrance.com/1_equipe3_Carroll.php

Closing date: 2013-06-01