Postdoctoral position in Neural Circuit Development 

Pinto Teixeira Lab

Laboratory for the study of neural circuit development

Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), Toulouse

Research context 

A central challenge in neuroscience is to understand how precise synaptic connectivity emerges during development. We address this problem using the visual system of Drosophila melanogaster, combining omics, genetics, advanced in vivo imaging (super-resolution, confocal and two-photon), together with circuit-level analysis to link developmental mechanisms to function. This research programme is supported by a 5-year Impulscience award from the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller.

The position

We are seeking a creative and independent postdoctoral researcher to investigate how molecular and cellular mechanisms interact with neural activity to establish subcellular synaptic connectivity during circuit assembly in vivo. Within this framework, the postdoctoral researcher will be expected to develop an original research direction. Possible research directions include:

• how neural activity during development shapes synaptic connectivity 
• how cell-type-specific molecular programs contribute to synapse subcellular organization 
• how cellular dynamics during circuit assembly influence wiring specificity 

The position offers substantial intellectual autonomy, with support for fellowship applications and opportunities to contribute to mentoring and collaborative projects within the lab.

The appointment is for 2 years, with the possibility of extension up to the end of the funding period (July 2031). The position has a provisional start date of September 2026 (flexible). Remuneration is between €3,041.58 and €4,216.70 gross/month, depending on experience.

Candidate Profile

Applicants must hold a PhD and have a strong track record, including at least one first-author peer-reviewed publication. We are looking for candidates who can drive projects independently and think conceptually about neural circuit development and actively contribute to a collaborative research environment. Experience in neuroscience or Drosophila is advantageous but not required. 

The lab and scientific environment

The Neural Circuit Development Lab is an international, English-speaking group at the CBI, a multidisciplinary institute comprising 40 research teams, including a community of eight fly labs, state-of-the-art facilities and technology platforms. The lab sits at the interface of the Cell Development and Neurobiology programmes.

How to apply 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a personal statement highlighting how their research interests align with the lab’s research directions, CV, and the contact details of three referees to filipe.pinto-teixeira@utoulouse.fr. For more information on the team, please visit www.pintoteixeiralab.com, or contact Filipe directly.

Living in Toulouse

Toulouse is located in the south-west of France, close to the Pyrenees and within 2 hours of both ski resorts and Mediterranean beaches. With nearly 130,000 students, Toulouse is the second-largest university city in France and one of the country’s major scientific hubs.