PhD Position in Neuroscience – French–German ANR–DFG Program at Normandie University UNICAEN - Université de Caen Normandie in France

This fully funded PhD position at the University of Caen Normandie is part of a prestigious French–German ANR–DFG collaborative program, focusing on the interactions between the gut microbiome and microglia in blood-brain barrier dysfunction following ischemic stroke. The successful candidate will join the Inserm UMR-1237 Blood & Brain Institute in Caen, France, and benefit from structured collaboration and research exchanges with a German partner laboratory, including possible joint supervision with LMU Munich.

The project aims to unravel how microbiome composition influences microglial activation states after ischemic stroke, the role of microglia–microbiome interactions in microthrombus formation and persistence, and the consequences for blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, endothelial transcytosis, and neurovascular integrity. The research integrates vascular, immune, and microbial signals in post-stroke pathology, offering a highly interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art imaging and animal facilities.

Experimental approaches include advanced mouse models of ischemic stroke, germ-free and microbiome-modulated mice, in vivo and ex vivo analysis of BBB leakage, immunohistochemistry, confocal and two-photon microscopy, microglia phenotyping, neuroinflammation assays, RNA sequencing, and quantitative image and data analysis using tools like Fiji, Imaris, R, and Python. Training will be provided based on the candidate’s background.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in neuroscience, immunology, biology, biomedical sciences, or related fields, with a strong interest in neuroimmunology, microbiome research, or vascular biology. Motivation for experimental, hypothesis-driven research and fluency in English are essential. Experience with animal models, background in microbiome, immunology, stroke, or BBB research, microscopy or image analysis, and interest in international collaborative research are desirable.

The position offers a 36-month PhD contract, joint French–German supervision and mobility, strong mentoring, publication, and career development support. To apply, send your CV, motivation letter (max. 1 page), and contact details of 1–2 referees to [email protected]. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For further details, visit the application link provided.