MASTER’S THESIS

MASTER’S THESIS

NeuroRestore is a research and innovation center spanning EPFL and the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) that develops and applies medical therapies aimed to restore neurological functions. We integrate implantable neurotechnologies with innovative treatments developed through rigorous preclinical and clinical studies. These developments have led to breakthroughs for the treatment of paraplegia, tetraplegia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injuries. By working with our network of vibrant high-tech start-ups and established medical technology companies, we are committed to validate our medical therapy concepts and see them used every day in rehabilitation clinics worldwide.

Investigating the neuronal mechanisms underlying the recovery of locomotion after spinal cord injury

We identified a population of recovery-organizing neurons that become essential for regaining walking after spinal cord injury (Nature, Kathe et al. 2022). These neurons relay brain signals that help restore voluntary movement during rehabilitation. We now study how these neurons rewire after injury. The student will help map their connectivity in the spinal cord and brainstem, and assess how these changes support recovery. This work will guide new strategies to enhance functional restoration after spinal cord injury.

The student will contribute to:

  • Rodent behavioral assessments and data analysis

  • Histological work (immunohistological stainings, tissue sectioning)

  • Imaging (use of high-quality microscopes such as slide-scanner and confocal microscope)

  • Image analysis

  • Rodent surgery related work

Preferred skills:

  • Previous research experience

  • R programming

  • Cryostat tissue sectioning

  • Immunohistological stainings

  • Microscopy

  • Image analysis

  • Rodent animal work

  • Biology and neuroscience knowledge.

Location: Campus Biotech – Geneva

Dates: preferably starting in summer 2025 (flexible), duration of at least 3 months

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: While we value candidates with basic wet lab skills, we are primarily looking for highly motivated students eager to learn and actively contribute to the team. The student will receive full support and training to acquire all necessary practical skills. Track record of exceptional performance is highly valued.

Contacts: Emma Farina (emma.farina@epfl.ch), Simon Lavaud (simon.lavaud@epfl.ch)

Jimmy Ravier