The Institute de Neurosciences de la Timone (INT) launches an international call for neuroscience researchers who wish to establish independent research groups. INT is a joint research unit (CNRS & Aix-Marseille University) located on the Timone Medical School Campus in the center of Marseille, next to the largest University Hospital (CHU Timone).

Composed of 13 research teams, the INT gathers researchers and clinicians around research projects in which across-levels approaches, from molecular to cognitive, are favored to promote the understanding of the neural bases of cognitive functions (cortical and spinal motor control, visual and auditory perception, emotions and social interactions) and their dysfunctions in neurological (Spasticity, Parkinson’s disease, sensory deficits) or psychiatric (Bipolar Disorders, Autism, Addictions) pathologies. Our teams are supported by 7 technological platforms structuring the technical support for anatomical and functional imaging (3T MRI, photonic imaging), molecular and cellular neurobiology (production of viral vectors, biomarkers, viral tracing) and analysis of human and animal behaviors (animal phenotyping, motor and perceptual psychophysics) as well as research support (neuroinformatics, instrumentation). Our research focuses on Humans as well as different animal models (rodents, non-human primates) thanks to the association with the Mediterranean Primate Research Center (UMS2018). Several clinical departments of the AP-HM University Hospitals are associated with INT to develop clinical and translational research. Finally, INT strongly supports interdisciplinarity, in connection with computer science and applied mathematics (INT is attached to the Biological Sciences Institute (INSB) and Information Sciences Institute (INS2I) of the CNRS) as well as electronics and photonics for the living (in connection with the Ecole des Mines de Saint Etienne – Campus Georges Charpak Provence), with close interactions with the neuroscientific teams.

The INT was created in January 2012 and occupies an entire 4000m2 building on the Campus. In September 2020, the Institute will extend over an additional 1000m2, notably dedicated to Neurobiology (L2/L3) and Neurotechnologies with the creation of a NeuroTechCenter. This extension is in line with the preparation of the next 5 years term (2023-2028), allowing our research teams to evolve and strengthen. In this perspective, the Institute wishes to welcome new teams around the following research thematics:

• Theoretical and computational neuroscience with a focus on the role of neuronal dynamics in information processing across scales, in normal or pathological brains

• Molecular neurosciences with an emphasis on bioinformatics and in vivo approaches to understand the molecular underpinnings of cognitive or motor functions and their pathologies

• Neuro-anatomy, with a particular interest on comparative studies across species (rodents and non-human primates) and/or brain structures.

Candidates should be dynamic investigators with an excellent track record, with or without an existing research group. They must have a strong potential to independently develop innovative research programs and be active to drive ambitious collaborations within INT and/or with the associated clinical units of Marseille University Hospitals. Researchers and/or clinicians with a strong track record in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, and/or computational sciences, addressing fundamental and/or clinical questions in neuroscience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Appropriate lab space, depending on group size and seniority, will be made available to the selected group leaders. New teams will be supported with INT direct funding, contributions to running costs and equipment, access to state-of-the-art core facilities and administrative support. They shall be competitive to obtain independent funding at national (e.g. ANR, FRM, Aix-Marseille University AMIDEX Chair of Excellence, CNRS/INSERM ATIP/Avenir) and international (ERC) levels. If the candidate(s) do not hold a French permanent position, we will encourage and support his/her application for a research position at CNRS and/or Aix-Marseille University. Researchers already holding a permanent research position (CR/DR) and willing to create their own team are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should submit a complete CV, a description of their research interests (achievements and project, max 3 pages) and 3 support letters. Please send inquiries and application to the INT Director (Guillaume Masson) and deputy director (Frédéric Chavane), before October 30th, 2020. They can also contact INT team leaders (http://www.int.univ-amu.fr) to find out about their current scientific topics.