PhD position

21 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, or CEA

Research Field

Engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

30 Apr 2024 - 23:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

To be defined

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

To be defined

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

Title of the PhD project: Tissuloid model for studying tissue self-organization

 

PhD supervisors: Maxim Balakirev (PhD supervisor) & Alice Nicolas (Co-supervisor)

Host laboratory: Biosciences and Bioengineering for health laboratory

Host team: Biomics

 

Contact: Maxim Balakirev, CEA-Grenoble

 

Project summary:

Tissue formation is a highly regulated morphogenetic process, involving iterative interactions among cells and cell groups, guiding cellular differentiation and patterning on a large scale. This complex, yet not well-understood, emergent phenomenon enables individual cells to self-organize into intricate macroscopic structures. The dysfunction of tissue morphogenesis is implicated in various pathologies, including cancer.

In our team, we are developing an original approach to create a pattern of macroscopic tissue-like structures, which we have named tissuloids, from single cell populations. This technology offers a unique opportunity to explore self-organization processes at every scale, from the micro (cell) to the macro (tissue) level.

As we embark on this new project to investigate the mechanisms of tissue morphogenesis and pathology, we are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join us in unravelling the mysteries of tissue self-organization. In this role, you will tackle fundamental questions such as: How do the mechanical properties of the microenvironment influence cellular behaviour? How do changes at the cellular level manifest in tissue patterning? What role do emergent phenomena play in this complex process?

 

Preferred skills: We are seeking a motivated candidate with an M.Sc. in biology (or biophysics), (bio)material engineering, (bio)mechanical engineering, or soft matter physics, who is eager to explore new fields. Background knowledge in cell biology is required, and experience in cell culture, cell imaging, and image analysis would be appreciated.

Student role: As part of our team, you will characterize the mechanical properties of extracellular matrices and cells, investigate the forces exerted by cells and cell assemblies, analyze the dynamics of tissuloid assembly, and decipher the mechanical and biochemical signals involved. You will utilize the newest technologies in 3D cell culture, mechanobiology, and imaging to make an impact in the fields of tissue engineering and translational research. You will collaborate closely with expert research teams at the BGE lab, the MINASEE team (at the LTM lab), and the Laboratoire d'Imagerie pour les Sciences du Vivant (at the CEA-Léti), benefiting from a rich multidisciplinary environment at the interface of biology and physics.

Keywords: self-organization, mechanobiology, morphogenesis, 3D cell cultures, tissue engineering, active matter, imaging.

 

Please note: this is a funding by the Grenoble Alliance for Integrated Structural & Cell Biology (GRAL) as a part of Laboratoire d’excellence program (Labex).

Students presented for the GRAL audition must have obtained at least 13.5 in the first semester of M2 (French system) and rank within the top 40% of their class. For students enrolled abroad with a different grading system, the equivalence of grades will be estimated based on conversion tables, such as this one (students graded "A/Excellent" or "B/Very Good" in the ECTS system, for example).

Requirements
Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, or CEA

Country

France

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://jobrxiv.org/job/the-french-alternative-energies-and-atomic-energy-commi…

Contact

Website

https://www.bge-lab.fr/en/Pages/Welcome.aspx

STATUS: EXPIRED