Postdoc position in Cellular Molecular Neuroscience – Synaptic plasticity mechanisms

Location : Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, Bordeaux, France

Team: Mechanisms of Adaptive Processes in brain circuits (MAP team)

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Our team: The MAP team at the Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience (IINS) is seeking motivated and independent postdoctoral researchers to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling synaptic function and plasticity. We aim to uncover the activity-dependent processes that shape and maintain protein composition and organization at individual synapses. While neuronal synapses in the mammalian central system display remarkable molecular, structural, and functional diversity, the contribution of synaptic plasticity to this diversity remains poorly understood.

Projects: We propose projects in which the post-doctoral researchers will explore:

• Mechano-transduction and signaling at individual synapses – investigating how multi-modular adhesion complexes convert mechanical changes into specific signaling pathways, linking structural and functional plasticity at the single-synapse level.
• Local protein degradation and synaptic composition – elucidating how local proteolysis regulates the molecular makeup of synapses.

These ANR-funded projects integrate advanced methodologies at the interface of cellular and slice electrophysiology, chemical biology, and high-resolution imaging (including super-resolution, expansion, and calcium imaging). The postdoctoral researcher will employ single-cell manipulations, patch-clamp recordings, and imaging in acute and organotypic brain slices.

Environment: The research will be conducted within the Mechanisms of Adaptive Processes in Brain Circuits group at IINS, part of the Bordeaux Neurocampus. IINS offers an exceptional interdisciplinary environment spanning structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, and integrated physiology, supported by world-class facilities including the Bordeaux Imaging Center and the University of Bordeaux.

Candidate profile:

• PhD obtained within the last three years
• Experience in slice electrophysiology and imaging
• Demonstrated interest in molecular and synaptic physiology
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills in English; French not required

Selected publications from the lab:

Ducrot et al. (2025) PNAS Jun 3 ;122(22) :e2411669122

Liouta et al. (2025) Nat Comm Oct 11 ;15(1) :8807

Dubes et al. (2022). EMBO J Oct 17;41(20):e109012

Letellier et al. (2020). eLife Apr 23;9:e52027

Letellier et al. (2019). PloS Biol Jun 5;17(6):e2006223

Letellier et al. (2018). Nat Commun Sep 28;9(1):3979.

Haas et al. (2018). eLife. Jul 25;7. pii: e31755.

Letellier et al. (2014). Nat Neurosci. Aug 17(8) :1040-2.

You want to apply?

Candidates should submit a single PDF to including a cover letter describing your past experience, motivations and future plans, a CV and 2 references.