Postdoc / Researcher in Electrophysiology and Neurobiology of Pain in Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle / CNRS – France

Summary

The Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle (IGF) in Montpellier, France, is seeking a Postdoc / Researcher in Electrophysiology and Neurobiology of Pain for a renewable 12-month full-time contract funded by the ANR project "PROTECT-DN". The selected candidate will focus on characterizing sensory neuron excitability in models of type 2 diabetic neuropathic pain using ex vivo electrophysiology, in vivo calcium imaging, extracellular electrophysiology, and automated behavioral tracking. Applicants must hold a Doctorate and have 5 to 10 years of relevant experience, including mastery of electrophysiological recordings, animal pain models, and Level 1 Project Designer certification with surgical competence. The position offers a gross monthly salary ranging from 3,071 to 4,258.87 EUR alongside 44 days of annual leave and RTT, remote working compensation, and transport support. Applications close on November 23, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle
Position Type	Postdoc / Researcher
Discipline	Neuroscience / Neurobiology
Research Area	Electrophysiology and Neurobiology of Pain
Degree Required	Doctorate
Experience	5 to 10 years relevant experience
Salary	3071 to 4258.87 EUR gross/month
Funding	ANR project "PROTECT-DN"
Contract Duration	12-month contract, renewable
Deadline	2026-11-23
Required Documents	Detailed CV, Cover letter tailored to project, Contact details for two references
Employer Address	Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle, 34094 Montpellier, France

About the Project

The position is part of the ANR project "PROTECT-DN" aimed at validating a preventive therapeutic strategy for diabetic neuropathic pain. The research involves characterizing the excitability of murine sensory neurons in type 2 diabetic neuropathic pain models, testing T-type calcium channel inhibitors, and developing genetic approaches to target sensory neuron degeneration.

Key Responsibilities

• Characterize the excitability of murine sensory neurons in a model of type 2 diabetic neuropathic pain using ex vivo electrophysiology, in vivo calcium imaging, or extracellular electrophysiology.
• Characterize excitability comparing chronic treatment with a T-type calcium channel pharmacological inhibitor.
• Conduct longitudinal tracking of pain sensitivity thresholds using an automated behavioral analysis platform.
• Participate in developing genetic approaches to induce targeted sensory neuron degeneration and characterize the mouse model.
• Manage and execute breeding of transgenic mouse lines required for the project.
• Analyze, interpret, and disseminate experimental data through scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Required Skills

• Mastery of electrophysiological recordings in patch-clamp, skin-nerve preparations, and in vivo single/multi-unit activity.
• Expertise in in vivo animal experimentation in pain and/or neuroscience.
• Project Designer certification (Level 1) and surgical competence.

Who Should Apply

Researchers with a Doctorate and 5 to 10 years of experience in electrophysiology and neurobiology of pain, holding a Level 1 Project Designer certification and surgical skills for in vivo animal experimentation.

Benefits

• Salary 3071 to 4258.87 EUR gross/month
• 44 days annual leave and RTT
• Remote working compensation
• 75% transport coverage
• Sustainable mobility package up to 300€

About the Employer

The Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle (IGF) in Montpellier features an internationally recognized team specializing in T-type calcium channels in somatosensation, chronic pain, and pleasant touch, located on the Arnaud de Villeneuve campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to apply for this position?

The application deadline is November 23, 2026.

What is the contract duration and type?

It is a full-time 12-month fixed-term contract (FTC) that is renewable.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a detailed CV, a cover letter tailored to the project, and contact details for two references.

What is the salary offered for this post?

The monthly gross salary ranges between 3,071 and 4,258.87 EUR.