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 at the Paris Brain
Institute (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 and is located in the Paris Brain Institute (ICM), 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.
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: ap...@neuronaldynamics.eu