Postdoctoral position in Immunology of HBV infections and therapeutics

A 3 year postdoctoral position is available to study immune responses to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, investigating novel antiviral and immune modulating therapies, using humanized mouse models.

Current treatment strategies for HBV are life-long and rarely curative. Finite antiviral and immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies are being pursued for an HBV functional cure to treat the 254 million people infected worldwide. Although HBV infects hepatocytes, its evasion and modulation of the immune response is key to the progression of the disease. We have established a unique humanized mouse to model HBV induced immune pathologies and have recently evaluated a direct acting antiviral in this context resulting in some functional cures (Fernandes et al. Cell Host & Microbe 2026).

Project outline

The goal is to analyze the immune response to HBV following treatment with novel combination therapies, using the antiviral and an immunomodulator, in our immune competent humanized mouse model. We aim to determine the mechanisms of action of the compounds and evaluate restoration of immunity leading to functional cures. The project will investigate virological and immunological parameters using molecular biology, conventional and spectral flow cytometry, transcriptomics, and immune assays.

Candidate profile

Candidates should have a PhD with strong background in Immunology, expertise in animal experimentation (mandatory), experience with flow cytometry, molecular biology and cell culture techniques. Applicants should be highly motivated, proficient in English, well organized, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively. The position is available to start immediately.

Application:

Applicants should send their CV, a letter of motivation including a summary of previous research experience, and contact information for two references to Helene Strick-Marchand ([email protected] ).

Environment

The Institut Pasteur in Paris is recognized worldwide as a leader in the field of infectious diseases. Multi-disciplinary research is organized in 13 thematic departments, covering a wide-range of subjects including immunology, virology, microbiology, neuroscience, developmental biology, genetics and cancer in a highly collaborative international environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

The candidate will join the research team “Humanized mice for infectious disease modeling” in the Innate Immunity Unit within the Immunology Department.