Open Post-doctoral position at the Saints-Pères Paris Institute for Neurosciences (Université de Paris)

Position duration : 2 years from start date (if possible from September 2023)

Localisation : Paris (France)

Salary : 2600€ before taxes

OPEN POSTDOC

Axonal regeneration under an electric field

The proposal concerns a post-doctoral researcher who has performed experiments on live animals (rodents) and has at least level 2 certification, ideally level 1

Introduction :

Understanding interactions of the cells with the substrate could enable them to be reproduced in innovative ways in the form of biomaterials and/or implants. This opens the way for major innovations in various medical fields such as regenerative medicine, dentistry, prosthetics and implantology. By understanding how neurons interact with their environment, it is possible to design more advanced biomedical solutions and improve patients’ quality of life through innovative biomaterials that are more effective, have long-lasting effects, are biocompatible and/or (bio)resorbable.

Objectives and description of the research project :

Objectives : The project involves developing an electroactive neuro-implant that will be introduced in animal at the level of a sectioned nerve in the context of a prototype validation.

Description of the research project : Following nerve section, axonal repair under electric field refers to the use of electric fields to promote axon growth and regeneration. It has been shown that electric fields can influence axonal growth by acting on several cellular mechanisms. They can direct the direction of axon growth by activating directional guidance signals. In addition, they can stimulate the proliferation and migration of glial cells, which play a crucial role in axon regeneration. Electric fields can also modulate the expression of growth factors and adhesive molecules that promote axonal regeneration.
These properties open remarkable prospects for the development of nerve regeneration therapies following injuries of the central or peripheral nervous system. However, it is important to note that axonal regeneration is a complex process, and the precise mechanisms involved are still under investigation. What’s more, translating this knowledge into clinical applications requires in-depth research and rigorous clinical trials to ensure efficacy and safety. The role of the candidate will be to test and develop in vivo an implant which pysico-chemical constitution would be optimal for nerve repair. This work is based on in vitro studies.

Scientific environment :

This research project is highly interdisciplinary, at the interface of neuroscience, cell biology, physics, materials science, and biophysics. The postdoctoral fellow will be based at SPPIN 2 , at CNRS lab localized in St Germain des Prés, in the heart of Paris.

Requirements :

interest in the physics/biology interface, healthcare applications, animal experimentation ; knowledge of neuroscience.

Contacts: