Sensory Regulation of Energy Homeostasis

Research Topic Food sensory perception is a powerful regulator of feeding behaviour and integrative physiology, capable of engaging neural circuits controlling hunger, motivation, and metabolic homeostasis before a single bite is consumed. Remarkably, the sight and smell of food can rapidly alter the activity of key neuronal populations controlling feeding and whole-body metabolism in anticipation of nutrient intake. These findings have reshaped our understanding of appetite regulation by revealing that feeding circuits are strongly influenced by food-predictive sensory cues, rather than exclusively by post-ingestive or homeostatic signals. Yet, how sensory cues are translated into metabolic and behavioural responses remains poorly understood. The Steculorum Group aims to uncover the regulatory principles linking food sensory perception to physiological and behavioural outcomes, from the earliest stages of sensory processing to whole-body physiology, across development and in health and diseases. To address these questions, we use an integrated technology framework combining advanced genetic and systems neuroscience approaches in mice, including in vivo fiber photometry, optogenetics, activity-dependent neuronal labelling, neurocircuit mapping, and molecular approaches such as ribosome profiling and single-cell and bulk transcriptomics. These approaches are complemented by detailed physiological and behavioural analyses. Successful candidates will contribute to this research programme while developing their projects within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Job Description Applicants should hold a PhD in neurobiology, neuroscience, neurophysiology or a closely related discipline, with demonstrated research experience in one or more relevant areas. Required experience Mouse handling and experimentation Stereotaxic surgery and/or other relevant in vivo procedures Research experience in systems neuroscience and/or energy homeostasis (i.e., feeding) Desirable experience Experience in the following areas would be highly advantageous: Neurocircuit mapping Chemogenetics and/or optogenetics Fiber photometry/in vivo calcium imaging Behavioural analysis Metabolic phenotyping Molecular and transcriptomic approaches Previous experience in developmental neurobiology and/or developmental programming would be an advantage, but is not required. Beyond technical expertise, we are looking for a candidate who is: Highly motivated and scientifically curious Able to work independently while contributing effectively to a team Enthusiastic about interdisciplinary and collaborative research Comfortable working in a dynamic and interactive research environment Committed to rigorous and reproducible science The working language of the laboratory is English. Knowledge of French is not required. How to Apply Please send your application as a single PDF document to Sophie Steculorum at the following email address: sophie.steculorum@sf.mpg.de The application should include: Curriculum vitae (CV) Motivational letter describing your interest in the position, your relevant research experience, and how your background aligns with the research programme Contact information for two academic referees Applications will be reviewed based on the candidate's scientific background, research experience, motivation, and potential to contribute to the research programme.