Poste pourvu : Group Leader Position/Chair of Excellence Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology Aix-Marseille University/CNRS

The Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology (INP) at Aix-Marseille University/CNRS (https://www.univ-amu.fr/) combines basic and translational research in a stimulating and friendly working environment (https://inp.univ-amu.fr). We seek to attract outstanding neuroscientists to explore new frontiers in the following areas: brain disease (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases, brain cancer) and repair, neuronal cytoskeleton, the basis of cognition, cell reprogramming, brain-immune system crosstalk or blood brain barrier dysfunctions.

The INP is looking for researchers wishing to conduct innovative independent research as group leaders in the framework of a Chair of Excellence at Aix-Marseille University (AMU).

The missions of the Chair are mainly research activities (including management of doctoral and post-doctoral fellows), and also some teaching activity. The programme first offers an attractive hosting environment that includes the project leader’s salary for 3 years (renewable for 2 years under certain conditions), and up to €200,000/year. The university aims at hiring the successful candidate as a tenured Professor after this initial tenure-track phase. Following this initial phase, the successful candidate can benefit from a tenured research-teaching position at AMU.

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • PhD diploma.

  • Minimum 4 years of research/teaching experience after obtaining the PhD.

  • An excellent publication record that meets the criteria for applying for European funding (e.g., ERC).

  • External applicants only (i.e., no internal recruitment on the AMU site for a Chair of Excellence).

AMU supports diversity and equal opportunities. Women and persons with disability are encouraged to apply and are assured of equal opportunity in the multi-stage selection process that will comply with French employment laws, AMU's commitment to the HRS4R and Euraxess good practice guidelines, and A*Midex requirements for excellence. Candidates will be informed at each stage of the selection process, which will last several months and will require at least two auditions for successful candidates. The Chair position will start between October 2022 and March 2023 (to be determined).

The INP is located on the Marseille Health Sciences campus alongside other leading laboratories, covering a wide range of neuroscience topics. The INP offers an internationally competitive research environment in partnership with the biotechnology spin-off company Vect-Horus. State-of-the-art technology facilities include super-resolution and HCS microscopy, an iPS cell platform, a biophysics platform for the study of molecular interactions, and a SPF rodent facility with space for surgery and animal behaviour studies. Other facilities available on campus include a virus production and use facility, MRI and PET imaging.

The INP is a member of NeuroMarseille (https://neuro-marseille.org), the 2nd largest neuroscience community in France. The INP is part of NeuroSchool, the Graduate School of Neuroscience (https://neuro-marseille.org/en/training/), which offers scholarships to Master and Ph.D students. The INP is also part of the CIVIS European University (https://civis.eu/fr), thus favouring scientific and training synergies in an international environment.

Last but not least, the INP is located in the centre of Marseille, close to the Parc National des Calanques and the scenic and cultural charms of Provence, which perfectly complements the dynamism of Marseille and its region as a place to live and work in science.

Applications must be sent in a single PDF file by 20 February 2022 to Dr. Michel Khrestchatisky  and Dr. Santiago Rivera  and include:

  • A complete CV and list of publications.

  • A cover letter describing past and current scientific activities/achievements (2 pages max).

  • A research project proposal (3 pages max).

  • Two letters of recommendation.