Postdoctoral Position in RNA biology (M / F)

Institut Curie is a major player in the research and fight against cancer. It consists of a Hospital group and a Research Center of more than 1000 employees with a strong international objective. The Research Center aims to develop basic research and to use the knowledge produced to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics of cancers as part of the continuum between basic research and innovation serving the patient.

Laboratory

The team “RNA, Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis”, led by Albertas Navickas, has been recently established at Institut Curie, in the “Genome Integrity, RNA and Cancer” (UMR3348) department in Orsay. We focus on the gene regulatory networks promoting the establishment of the metastatic niche. The founding of the lab has been supported by the ATIP-Avenir program, ARC foundation, PSL Young Researcher Starting Grant, and Ruban Rose association.

The project

Tumor-secreted RNA has gathered substantial attention due to its role in cell-cell communication within the tumor microenvironment and metastatic niche establishment. Extracellular RNA (exRNA) can activate the native immune response in distant tissue and establish a pro-metastatic inflammatory environment. The molecular dissection of this process holds promise to advance our understanding of the early phases of the metastatic cascade, when therapeutic intervention is most effective. However, exRNA signaling in the metastatic niche remains poorly understood.

We are looking to hire a postdoc with experience in RNA biology, whose project will consist of the characterization of exRNAs capable of inducing RNA signaling, particularly focusing on extracellular double-stranded RNA in triple-negative breast cancer, using cell line, PDX organoid models, and clinical samples. The project includes the possibility to collaborate with clinician scientists at Institut Curie.

Training and Skills required

• Training: PhD in RNA biology (genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry or equivalent)
• Scientific skills: RNA biology, innate immune signaling, extracellular vesicle and secretory mechanisms
• Technical skills: experience in RNA sequencing techniques
• Language skills: fluent in English (C1 or equivalent)

Abilities

• Ability to work independently
• Scientific rigor and transparency
• Aptitude for working in an international team
• Ability and will to communicate

All our opportunities are open to people with disabilities.

Contract information

Type of contract: Fixed-term contract.

Working time: full time

Remuneration: according to the current grids

Benefits: Collective catering, reimbursement of transportation fees up to 70%, supplementary health insurance

Location of the position: Orsay

Please send your CV, letter of motivation, and 2 references.