M2 stage (April – July 2019) and possibility to continue with a 3-years PhD, starting in October 2019, with scholarship already granted

Studying the physiological synergy of different ion channels in neurons

Following the recent award of a competitive National grant, we are looking for a brilliant and motivated undergraduate student, with biological and/or physical background, to perform a final stage at the last University level (Master-2 or equivalent), starting April 1st 2019 or earlier if possible and ending in July 2019. The student will receive a stipend of ~500€/month for the entire duration of the stage. The objective of the project is to combine advanced imaging techniques applied to neurons in brain slices, novel photoactivable toxins to target individual ion channels and advanced computational techniques to extract the precise activity of multiple ion channels underlying neuronal signals. The student will learn patch clamp and imaging techniques and apply those to test novel photoactivable toxins targeting calcium channels. At the end of the stage, if positively evaluated, a 3-year PhD with an already available scholarship from the labex consortium ICST (http://www.labex-icst.fr/en) will be offered to start on October 1st 2019.

The criteria for selecting the students will include (in order of importance)

• The academic record of the student (notes) with respect to the disciplines associated with the project. (For students coming from French Universities, an average note of >13/20 in the M1 and in the first semester of M2 is compulsory to be considered).

• Motivation to carry on a career in scientific research as the following PhD opens the gate to further postdoctoral experiences outside France.

• Personal attitude to laboratory life including relationships with colleagues. 

Applications, addressed to Dr Marco Canepari (marco.canepari@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr), should contain: 1. a CV based on the academic record including notes (at least the most relevant and recent); 2. a motivation letter; 3. (optional) one or two supporting letters by academic staff or name(s) and email address(es) of one or two referees who know the candidate. Applications are open until November 10th 2018 and the selected student will be decided by December 1st 2018.  

More information on the project and on the research activity of our group is available at: