Call for Applications – IdEx-funded PhD | DYNABio/EUR-Life, Université Côte d’Azur Microbiota-derived metabolites & autism (mice + humans)
Applications are invited for an IdEx-funded PhD position at Université Côte d’Azur (DYNABio/EUR-Life) on the project « Microbiota-derived metabolites as biomarkers and mediators of social deficits in autism: insights from mice and humans. »
This interdisciplinary thesis tackles a major clinical gap in ASD — the lack of validated biomarkers and effective treatments for core social deficits — by integrating human cohort metabolomics with mechanistic validation in mouse models. Building on prior evidence that specific microbiota-derived metabolites can reach the brain and induce persistent social deficits in mice, the successful candidate will (i) identify urinary metabolite signatures associated with social deficits in the EDEN longitudinal birth cohort (N≈1,000; birth to 8 years), (ii) test causality and neurobiological mechanisms in mice, and (iii) develop integrated predictive models to prioritize translational biomarker candidates.
We seek a highly motivated candidate with strong primary expertise in one area (metabolomics/analytical chemistry, neuroscience/behavior, microbiology) and a demonstrated ability to bridge disciplines in a collaborative environment.
The position is fully funded for 3 years (net salary ~€2,301.69/month).
Full details: https://life.univ-cotedazur.fr/les-actions-de-leur-life/les-bourses-de-leur-life/bourse-de-these-dynabio
To apply, send your CV and motivation letter to the scientific supervisors by 23 February.
Laetitia Davidovic (IPMC, Université Côte d’Azur) — davidovic@ipmc.cnrs.fr
Louis-Félix Nothias (HolobiomicsLab, Institut de Chimie de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur) — louis-felix.nothias@cnrs.fr