The Cryo-ASTRALXEM PhD project aims to decipher the nanoscale organization of astrocyte–synapse interfaces using a multimodal cryogenic imaging workflow. You will combine cryogenic X-ray holographic nanotomography, visible light microscopy, cryogenic X-ray fluorescence, and cryo-electron tomography to bridge scales from whole astrocytes within their native context all the way down to molecular resolution.

You will develop and optimize molecular probes and labelling strategies, including immunolabelling, nanobodies, and genetically encoded tags (APEX/Halo), that are compatible with high-pressure freezing, vitrification, and cryogenic X-ray/electron imaging.

The project also includes establishing multimodal correlation workflows and collaborating with machine learning specialists to implement advanced computational analysis, including ML-based segmentation and 3D quantitative mapping.

Overall, the project aims to reveal how astrocytic microdomains are structured and regulated, and how they adapt to their microenvironment.

You will join the X-ray nanoscale neuroimaging unit at ESRF and work closely with Dr. Sylvain Bohic from INSERM and UGA.