The Laboratory of Circadian Physiology aims to understand how the circadian system works. This system is essential to optimize physiology to a day that last 24 hrs. It has the capacity to anticipate recurrent changes in the environment (day/night) and to schedule every physiological function at the best time of day. The candidate will work on a project that aims to understand how the neuronal circuit controlling circadian rhythms (located in a small brain area of the mouse hypothalamus) develops and matures during the perinatal period. The project will focus on the communication between neurons and astrocytes and how these cells learn to communicate with each other and to integrate  different time cues. The candidate will work with mice, brain slices and organotypic cultures taking advantage of state-of-the-art imaging tools, molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics. This project has a strong translational value in the context of adults exposed to circadian disruption (e.g.: shift workers) and premature babies exposed to an adverse early environment at neonatal care units.