Information
The position is located at the Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases at CEA Fontenay-aux-Roses (https://jacob.cea.fr/drf/ifrancoisjacob/Pages/Departements/MIRCen/UMR9199.aspx) within the “Cellular Interactions: Models and Biotherapies” team. Focused on the study of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, the laboratory has all the infrastructure to conduct experimental gene therapy projects, from the design of gene transfer tools to the proof of concept of their therapeutic efficacy in animal models. The laboratory also has its own AAV and lentiviral vector production platform. As part of a project funded by the PEPR Biotherapy and Bioproduction of Innovative Therapies, we are seeking a post-doctoral researcher to implement a transcriptome editing strategy for genetically originated neurodegenerative diseases. We have previously demonstrated the potential of this technology in diverse pathological contexts.
Mission
Post-doctoral Researcher, fixed-term contract of 12 months, renewable, to establish a screening platform for rapidly isolating candidate RNAs for therapeutic targeting of mRNA by trans-splicing (SMaRT technology, Spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing). This platform will be obtained through the combination of cellular tools (reporter cell lines) and molecular tools (candidate RNA libraries) that the researcher will be responsible for designing and constructing. The post-doctoral researcher will benefit from the entire scientific environment of the Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, as well as technical support from the team responsible for viral production.
The project will combine a wide range of molecular biology approaches (construction, high-throughput sequencing…) and cell biology (clone production, cell sorting by flow cytometry…). The selected person will be required to:
- Design candidate RNA libraries for trans-splicing of different target genes.
- Design cell lines for screening RNA libraries.
- In collaboration with bioinformatics support, perform analyses of screening results obtained by high-throughput sequencing.
- Establish evidence of therapeutic efficacy on the intended targets in relevant cellular models.
- Analyze and communicate the produced results (lab meetings, conferences…).
- Conduct literature reviews on the research topic.
- Write scientific articles.
Profile
- PhD in molecular biology, preferably in the field of gene therapy.
- Good knowledge of splicing mechanisms is a plus.
- Technical skills in molecular biology, cloning, high-throughput sequencing data analysis, cell line culture, flow cytometry, fluorescence imaging…
- Enthusiast, independent and rigorous.
- Able to work in a team and interact with a network of collaborators.
- The working language is primarily French, but non-French-speaking candidates are welcome. A good oral and written command of English is essential.
- Start as soon as possible
When and how to apply?
Submit resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Alexis Bemelmans, Co-Team Leader, UMR9199 Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, alexis.bemelmans@cea.fr.