Doctorat / PhD — Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in human microglia maturation during neurodevelopment

Doctorat / PhD Profil chercheur : First Stage Researcher (R1) Type de contrat : Temporary Date limite de candidature : 30 Nov 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) Date de début : 1 Dec 2026 Programme UE : Not funded by a EU programme Département : Human Resources Domaine : Neurosciences » NeurobiologyBiological sciences » Biology

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, play an essential role in neurodevelopment by clearing apoptotic cells and contributing to neuronal circuit refinement. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6), are critical for brain development and cellular signaling (Martinez et al., 1992). Although previous studies have demonstrated that dietary omega-3 PUFA deficiency alters microglial functions and brain development in mice (Madore et al., 2020), the mechanisms through which PUFAs regulate human microglial maturation remain largely unexplored. The project aims to characterize PUFAs metabolism during human microglial maturation and determine its contribution to microglial development and functions. The candidate will use 2D and 3D-cellular models (human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia & developing cerebral organoids) and humanized and transgenic mouse models. Experimental approaches will include CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, lipidomics, RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, functional assays such as multielectrode array and behavioural testing. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate the role of PUFAs in human microglial maturation during brain development. This 36-month PhD project, funded by INRAE and the French National Research Agency (ANR), will be conducted at NutriNeuro laboratory , Bordeaux Neurocampus (France), under the supervision of Dr Charlotte Madore. Applicants should hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related discipline. A strong interest in neurodevelopment, microglial biology, and lipid metabolism is essential. Previous experience in cell culture, molecular biology, or advanced cellular models would be an advantage. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary and stimulating research environment and benefit from training in advanced experimental approaches. This position offers an unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the mechanisms linking lipid metabolism, microglial maturation, and human neurodevelopment, with potential implications for future nutritional strategies supporting brain health. Applicants are invited to submit the following documents: A curriculum vitae detailing academic qualifications, research experience, and technical skills. A motivation letter outlining their scientific interests, relevant experience, and motivation to join the project. Academic transcripts from their Master's degree or equivalent qualification. Contact details of one or two academic referees.

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, play an essential role in neurodevelopment by clearing apoptotic cells and contributing to neuronal circuit refinement. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6), are critical for brain development and cellular signaling (Martinez et al., 1992). Although previous studies have demonstrated that dietary omega-3 PUFA deficiency alters microglial functions and brain development in mice (Madore et al., 2020), the mechanisms through which PUFAs regulate human microglial maturation remain largely unexplored.

The project aims to characterize PUFAs metabolism during human microglial maturation and determine its contribution to microglial development and functions. The candidate will use 2D and 3D-cellular models (human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia & developing cerebral organoids) and humanized and transgenic mouse models. Experimental approaches will include CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, lipidomics, RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, functional assays such as multielectrode array and behavioural testing.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate the role of PUFAs in human microglial maturation during brain development. This 36-month PhD project, funded by INRAE and the French National Research Agency (ANR), will be conducted at NutriNeuro laboratory , Bordeaux Neurocampus (France), under the supervision of Dr Charlotte Madore.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related discipline. A strong interest in neurodevelopment, microglial biology, and lipid metabolism is essential. Previous experience in cell culture, molecular biology, or advanced cellular models would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary and stimulating research environment and benefit from training in advanced experimental approaches.

This position offers an unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the mechanisms linking lipid metabolism, microglial maturation, and human neurodevelopment, with potential implications for future nutritional strategies supporting brain health.

Applicants are invited to submit the following documents:

A curriculum vitae detailing academic qualifications, research experience, and technical skills.

A motivation letter outlining their scientific interests, relevant experience, and motivation to join the project.

Academic transcripts from their Master's degree or equivalent qualification.

Contact details of one or two academic referees.

Where to apply E-mail [email]