Chercheur en électrophysiologie et neurosciences de la douleur (H/F)

Twelve-month researcher contract (renewable) at the Institut de génomique fonctionnelle in Montpellier, within the ANR project PROTECT-DN on diabetic neuropathic pain. The researcher will characterise the excitability of mouse sensory neurons in a type 2 diabetes model of neuropathic pain induced by a high-fat, high-sugar diet, comparing controls with genetic inhibition of the Cav3.2 T-type calcium channel and with chronic treatment by a pharmacological T-type channel inhibitor in clinical development.

Methods include ex vivo skin–nerve and patch-clamp recordings of sensory fibres and neurons, and in vivo miniscope calcium imaging or single-unit extracellular recordings in anaesthetised mice. The role also covers longitudinal follow-up of pain thresholds with an automated, unbiased behavioural analysis system (RAMalgo), its coupling with electrophysiology or imaging, and the development of a genetic approach that induces targeted, progressive degeneration of the most vulnerable sensory neurons in type 2 diabetic neuropathy.

The work supports validation of a preventive therapeutic strategy for diabetic neuropathic pain. Start date 4 January 2027; gross monthly salary from €3,071 to €4,258.87 depending on experience.