Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Biology (M/F)

Updated: about 1 month ago
Location: La Valbonne, RHONE ALPES
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 11 Apr 2024

22 Mar 2024
Job Information
Organisation/Company

CNRS
Department

Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire
Research Field

Biological sciences
Biological sciences » Biology
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country

France
Application Deadline

11 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (UTC)
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Full-time
Hours Per Week

35
Offer Starting Date

1 Jun 2024
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher responsible for the development, optimization, and execution of experimental protocols, technological development, and management of biological products within the research projects outlined in the ANR PRC ObEdit contract (detailed below) developed within the Epigenetics and Metabolism team (hereafter referred to as the Team) at IPMC/UMR 7275 CNRS-UniCa/U 1323.

Obesity results from a dysregulation of central appetite control. We and other teams have identified the neuropeptide called "melanin-concentrating hormone" (MCH) as a key regulator of feeding behavior and energy balance in mammals. MCH's action in the brain is mediated by two isoforms of receptors; MCHR1 and MCHR2. Since MCHR2 is not expressed in rodents, which are commonly used experimental models for studies on feeding behavior, we lack data on the function of the MCH/MCHR2 axis on human feeding behavior and energy balance. In the context of the ANR ObEdit project, we hypothesize that, in the human brain, MCH and the MCH/MCHR2 axis are essential for the physiological regulation of feeding behavior and energy metabolism. Dysregulation of this axis may represent a pathological mechanism leading to obesity and its metabolic complications. To test our hypothesis, we use various transgenic mouse models derived from our unique model of humanized mice expressing the human MCHR2 transgene under its related promoter (hMCHR2HPRT/HPRT mice). By employing single-cell transcriptomic approaches, next-generation sequencing (particularly epigenomics), physiological studies using obesogenic diets in humanized mice, and pharmacological tools, we aim to establish: 1) the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the observed resistance to obesity in hMCHR2HPRT/HPRT mice; 2) the relative contribution of MCH receptors on feeding behavior, energy balance, and glucose regulation.

Development of scientific and technological strategies for producing behavioral analysis protocols for transgenic mice (stable transgenics or injected with viral vectors) and mini-pigs.
Analysis of physiopathological responses (feeding behavior, weight gain, metabolism, stress response, cognition, etc.) in wild-type mouse strains, "humanized" mouse strains, and derivatives using the facilities of the ANIMEX-IPMC platform.
Collection of tissue and cell samples for DNA, RNA, and protein extraction for genomic/epigenomic analysis and phenotypic characterization.
Conducting experiments using molecular biology, cell biology, and histology techniques. Specifically, responsible for nucleic acid purification, next-generation sequencing, visualization of genomic/epigenomic results (RRBS, WGBS, small RNASeq, ATAC-Seq), and gene expression quantification at the mRNA level (qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization/RNAscope, single-cell RNA-Seq, Spatial).
Formatting of results and statistical analysis (ANOVA test, Student t-test, etc.).
Literature review and improvement/adaptation of techniques according to research projects.
Participation in training sessions to acquire essential new techniques or knowledge for the development of Team's scientific programs.
Implementation of optimum safety conditions and compliance with regulations for experiments (quality control according to European standards).
Communication in French and English of strategic choices, results, and projects concerning the Team.

The Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC) is a joint research unit between the CNRS, Inserm, and the University Côte d'Azur. Its 20 internationally renowned research teams and shared technological services and platforms, several of which are ISO9001 certified, with a total workforce of approximately 250 people, are distributed over 8000 m2 of buildings. Reporting hierarchically to Professor Romain Barres, CNRS DR2, and Dr. Jean-Louis Nahon, CNRS emeritus DRCE and project leader, the postdoctoral researcher will work within the Epigenetics and Metabolism research team led by Professor Romain Barrès and will interact with the unit's shared services and technical platforms. Additional training will be offered to the successful candidate to enhance their alignment with the team's needs, if necessary.


Requirements
Research Field
Biological sciences
Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Research Field
Biological sciences
Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Languages
FRENCH
Level
Basic

Research Field
Biological sciences
Years of Research Experience
None

Research Field
Biological sciences » Biology
Years of Research Experience
None

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

Ph.D. in molecular biology, genomics/epigenomics, neurobiology, or related disciplines.
Profound knowledge in genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, and neuroscience.
Experience in conducting animal experiments, particularly in behavior and feeding intake.
Molecular biology techniques such as gene and protein expression analysis, practical experience in real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry.
Strong knowledge in the field of epigenetic heredity and database analysis.
Ability to develop, plan, and execute complex experiments and manage time autonomously.
Ability to work in a team.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent level of oral and written English.


Website for additional job details

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR7275-ROMBAR-005/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire
Country
France
City
VALBONNE
Geofield


Where to apply
Website

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Candidat/Offre/UMR7275-ROMBAR-005/Candidater.aspx

Contact
City

VALBONNE
Website

https://www.ipmc.cnrs.fr/

STATUS: EXPIRED