Ph.D. Position in Leukemia Research

Saint-Louis Research Institute, INSERM U944

Organisation/Company: Saint-Louis Research Institute, INSERM U944

Research Field: Biological sciences

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country: France

Application Deadline: 30 Jun 2025 - 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 a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The laboratory of Dr. Alexandre Puissant, a team leader and an Associate Professor in the Onco-Hematology department of the Saint Louis Research Institute & Hospital (https://gencelldis.fr/a-puissant-team/, Paris, France), is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate to identify and characterize metabolic and epigenetic determinants of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) onset and progression. His laboratory is affiliated with the ED561 HOB doctoral school, which encompasses various research topics, primarily focused on hematology, oncogenesis, biotherapy, and biotechnology.

Who Are We?

Our international lab employs large-scale screening, functional genomics, and proteomics in pre-clinical models to study altered cellular responses in leukemia. This work has uncovered leukemia-promoting targets, identified strategies to exploit leukemia dependencies, and provided new insights into cellular transformation and oncogenic mechanisms of leukemia onset and progression.

Combining state of the art functional genomics and proteomics in various AML models, our recent work has provided groundbreaking insights:

1. We identified critical targets for therapeutic intervention (Fenouille et al., Nature Medicine, 2017; Pardieu et al., Leukemia, 2022).
2. We showed that specific metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms can be manipulated to enhance cancer cell sensitivity to therapies (Su et al., Cancer Discovery, 2020; Lin et al., Nature Genetics, 2020; Nature Cancer, 2022).
3. We discovered specific targets to curb disease progression alongside standard treatments (Kelly et al., Nature Cancer, 2024).

Who Are We looking for?

We are looking for bright, ambitious, and collaborative Ph.D. students to join our dynamic and innovative team. The successful candidate will engage in exciting projects investigating how metabolic and epigenetic rewiring influence leukemia progression, utilizing diverse in vitro and in vivo systems.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate leukemia progression under genetic or pharmacological perturbations (cell line and primary cell infection and related cell culture assays, multiparametric flow cytometry-based techniques, disease monitoring in animals, organ collection).
2. Utilize advanced high-throughput functional CRISPR/shRNA-based techniques, transcriptomics, and epigenomics.
3. Stay current with technological and bibliographic developments.
4. Publish impactful research in leading journals.

Required Qualifications:

1. Master 2 degree (or equivalent) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology, or a related field. Candidates holding or about to hold a Master 2 degree and currently pursuing medical studies are also encouraged to apply.
2. Experience in biochemical, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques.
3. Experience with mouse models is highly valued.
4. Team player with a dynamic personality and a passion for innovation and problem-solving.
5. Highly motivated, hard worker, rigorous and curious.

Why Joining Us?

World-Class Resources: Situated in the heart of downtown Paris, our research institute offers access to top-tier research facilities for exceptional fundamental and translational research. Surrounded by a dynamic scientific and clinical community, and vibrant city life, it provides a stimulating and collaborative environment.

Collaborative Opportunities: Our lab provides an interdisciplinary environment with opportunities for both international and local collaborations, working alongside leading research labs in Paris, Europe, and the US, at the forefront of various biological fields.

Mentorship and career development: Dr. Puissant is dedicated to guiding Ph.D. students towards success in academia, industry, or other professional endeavors.

How Should You Apply?

Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file including the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a publication list.
2. A brief statement (2 pages) describing your research achievements, interests, and career goals.
3. Contact information for three referees, including current or previous mentors.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Join us in advancing our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of cancer development and exploring new therapeutic frontiers in a vibrant environment driven by dynamism, scientific curiosity, well-being, and the promotion of an inclusive and diverse research community.

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: Saint-Louis Research Institute, INSERM U944

Country: France