Junior Group Leader position at the interdisciplinary institute of neuroscience NeuroStra, Strasbourg, France
Call 2026 | Mental health | Neuroepigenetics | Nociception and Pain
The NeuroStra institute
NeuroStra is an interdisciplinary research and training institute in neuroscience, launched in January 2021 and supported by the University of Strasbourg, CNRS, and INSERM. Bringing together 10 laboratories and approximately 400 members, NeuroStra aims to structure and enhance the research and educational activities of Strasbourg’s neuroscience community around its internationally recognized areas of excellence.
Website: https://neurostra.unistra.fr/en/neurostra/about/
NeuroStra aims to recruit 3 outstanding junior scientists over the next 3 years to develop projects aligned with the following themes:
Mental health | Neuroepigenetics | Nociception and Pain
One scientist will be recruited per year. The 2026 call will be open to all three themes. The 2027 call will be open to the two themes not yet filled. A final call will be open in 2028, which will address the remaining unfilled topic. The submitted projects can be single-theme or cover multiple themes. The levels of investigation can range from molecular to integrated, and apply to fundamental, translational, and experimental research in both animal models and humans.
Position specifications
The appointed group leader will receive a starting package of ‚Ǩ200,000. She/he will be supported in applying for additional funding opportunities (e.g., FRM "Amorçage Jeunes équipes", ATIP-Avenir, ERC Starting Grant) as well as for a permanent research position at CNRS, INSERM, or the University of Strasbourg. The group leader will have access to cutting-edge on site facilities enabling research in both humans and animal models, including
techniques in molecular and cellular (including iPSCs, organoids) biology, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology, optical imaging, structural and functional neuroimaging, neuroanatomy, electron microscopy, and cognitive,
behavioural and physiological assessments, and to nearby external platforms (e.g. high throughput sequencing,FACS).
Requirements
We are seeking dynamic early-career neuroscientists with the potential to establish an innovative and independent research program, in collaboration with members of the NeuroStra community. Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background and an excellent publication record.
Evaluation criteria include:
- Competitiveness for national tenure-track competitions at CNRS, Inserm, or the University of Strasbourg;
- Completion of the PhD within the last 10 years, excluding parental leave;
- Potential for integration within the NeuroStra institute;
- At least one first-author publication stemming from PhD research, and at least one first/last-author and/or corresponding-author publication from postdoctoral research.
Researchers already holding a permanent position in France are welcome to apply, provided they are interested in pursuing their career in Strasbourg.
Contacts for requirement-related inquiries: Anne-Laurence BOUTILLIER and Philippe ISOPE, co-directors of NeuroStra.
How to apply
Candidates will find the application form on the NeuroStra website:
https://neurostra.unistra.fr/actualites/actualite/news/junior-group-leader-position-in-strasbourg/.
Deadline: 19 December 2025.
All applications will initially undergo review by the NeuroStra Steering Committee as part of a pre-selection process. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to present their work to an independent international jury
during oral evaluations set for March 2026.
NEUROSTRA
8 Allée du Général Rouvillois
67084 Strasbourg, France