Fully-funded PhD position in systems & computational neuroscience, Lyon, France

[Romain Ligneul]

Computational roles of serotonin in learning and decision-making

Center for Neuroscience Research of Lyon (CRNL)

https://www.adaptivecontrol.org/

📒 Description

A fully funded PhD position (3 years) in systems neuroscience is available at the Center for Neuroscience Research of Lyon (CRNL), as part of the project “Cross-species Regulation of Action by Controllability: A Keystone of 5-HT Signaling?” (CRACK-5HT), funded by the ERC Starting Grant program (EU). 

🔍Goal

The overarching goal of this project is to identify the computational function(s) of serotonin signaling in the rodent brain and to examine the impact of endogenous and manipulated serotonin levels on prediction, learning, and decision-making processes.

🧗‍♂️Candidate

The ideal candidate for this PhD position should have an excellent background in neuroscience or (bio-)engineering, as well as prior experience with rodent research. However, talented students from any scientific domain are welcome to apply, provided they can clearly articulate their interest in this research project. 

A high level of proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is essential. The ability to speak or understand French is neither required nor expected. Applications will be evaluated based on merit, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or nationality. 

📊Selection

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

a. Academic excellence 

b. Ability to articulate interests and motivations related to the project 

c. Previous experience/training in animal research (including microsurgery, histology, pharmacology, electrophysiology, optogenetics, imaging) 

d. Past publications (including articles, reviews, theses, and/or Git repositories) 

e. Programming skills (especially Python, C++, and/or C#)

In addition to these points, candidates are encouraged to highlight any other experience, skills, or competencies relevant to the project in their application. 

⛵️Supervision 

The successful applicant will be supervised by Romain Ligneul (Principal Investigator, Chargé de Recherche at INSERM) and will also benefit from the guidance of a senior postdoctoral researcher expert in systems neuroscience.

🖊Contract 

Fixed-term contract of 36 months, extension possible for a 4th year

Gross monthly salary: €2,235 (standard INSERM grid).

⚙️ How to apply?

Interested candidates should send a motivation letter and a CV to romain....@inserm.fr with the subject line “ERC-PHD-SYSNEURO Application”. 

Reference letters may be requested at a later stage.

Candidates are welcome to request clarification or additional information about the position/project before applying formally. 

In this case, write with the subject line “ERC-PHD-SYSNEURO Question”.