PhD Position in Kisspeptin Signaling and Reproductive Metabolism

This PhD position at the Lille Neuroscience & Cognition research center (University of Lille) focuses on the endocrine function of kisspeptin (KP) in linking reproduction and metabolism. Under the supervision of Dr. Daniela Fernandois, the project investigates how KP signaling integrates peripheral and central cues via tanycytes, addressing critical questions about infertility, metabolic diseases, and reproductive disorders. The candidate will employ advanced techniques like LC-MS/MS, viral knockdown, chemogenetics, and ultra-high-field MRI to dissect KP’s role in hypothalamic circuits and brain-wide connectivity. The position is fully funded for three years through the ANR JCJC KissME project, offering enrollment in the University of Lille’s Doctoral School Biologie-Santé.

• Conduct experiments to quantify circulating kisspeptin levels across reproductive states, aging, gestation, and metabolic challenges using LC-MS/MS.
• Investigate the role of tanycytic Kiss1R signaling in hypothalamic circuits controlling reproduction and energy balance via viral knockdown and chemogenetics.
• Analyze the impact of reduced gonadal and placental kisspeptin on hypothalamic function and brain-wide connectivity using transcriptomics and ultra-high-field MRI.
• Develop and implement new experimental protocols, including ex vivo perifusion of gonads and sample preparation for kisspeptin quantification.
• Collaborate with core facilities for imaging, metabolic phenotyping, metabolomics, and MRI to advance project goals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences and contribute to manuscript preparation and submission.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations and assist in drafting ethical protocols.
• Participate in doctoral school training programs and mentor Master’s students.