This is a full-time, fixed-term three-year postdoctoral position, offered under Inserm terms and conditions of employment.
The research team
« Metabolism, Cancer and immune responses », led by Jean-Ehrland Ricci is based at the Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Inserm U1065, in Nice, France (https://www.c3m-nice.fr/equipes/equipe-03/). The team is a highly interactive group comprising PhD students, engineers, research scientists and clinicians.
Our research focuses on understanding the metabolic adaptations that drive cancer development and progression, with the aim of identifying metabolic vulnerabilities that can be exploited for therapeutic intervention. We are particularly interested in the interplay between cancer metabolism and nutritional stress imposed by the tumor microenvironment, in the context of highly aggressive hematological malignancies. The team offers a stimulating and collaborative research environment, with strong expertise in cancer biology, metabolism and immunology, and close interactions among researchers with complementary backgrounds.
Project scientific context and summary
This project will investigate how nutritional stress-induced by the chemotherapeutic agent L-asparaginase (ASNase) rewires tumor metabolism in several subcellular compartments and promotes DNA damage and therapeutic resistance in malignant B cells. Using a validated B-cell lymphoma model of secondary ASNase resistance, the researcher will explore metabolic alterations across mitochondria, cytosol, and nucleus. The project will first aim to determine how ASNase induces oxidative stress and redox imbalance. The researcher will also investigate how ASNase-induced metabolic perturbations affect DNA damage, replication stress, and DNA repair pathways. A combination of genetic and pharmacological approaches, confocal imaging, flow cytometry, metabolic assays, metabolomics, proteomics, and stable-isotope tracing will be used. Compartment-specific analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear metabolism will uncover previously unrecognized metabolic adaptations to ASNase treatment. The functional relevance of candidate pathways will be validated both in vitro and in vivo. The project offers an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of cancer metabolism, mitochondrial biology, DNA repair, metabolomics, and therapeutic resistance.
The successful candidate will contribute to the development of an INCa PLBIO-funded project, conducted in close collaboration with academic partners in Lyon and Paris.
Missions
- To refine and develop research objectives in interaction with the project leaders, contributing to the scientific direction of the project.
- To independently and actively develop and establish innovative biochemical approaches and experimental methodologies, and to design, plan and conduct rigorous in vitro and in vivo experiments using state-of-the-art approaches in cancer biology and metabolism.
- To analyze, interpret and integrate experimental data to generate mechanistic insights and guide the development of the research project.
- To communicate data and organize meetings with project leaders and participants.
- To present and discuss research findings in English at national and international conferences, scientific meetings and internal seminars.
- To develop national, international collaborations to develop the research projects with experts in the field.
- To write reports and original publications (in English)
- To contribute to collective laboratory responsibilities, fostering a stimulating, collaborative and well-organized research environment.
Where to apply
E-mail: Johanna.CHICHE@univ-cotedazur.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Molecular biology: cloning and manipulation of retroviral vectors for overexpression or shRNA; RT-qPCR.
- Cell culture and functional assays: analysis of cellular responses, adaptation and cell fate following exposure to chemotherapeutic agents, using both suspension and adherent cultures of established cell lines and/or primary samples; establishment and characterization of genetically engineered cell models; pharmacological approaches.
- Biochemistry and cancer metabolism: characterization of cellular stress signaling pathways, metabolic adaptations, and treatment-induced DNA damage and repair mechanisms using Western blotting, immunofluorescence, subcellular fractionation, metabolomics and stable-isotope tracing.
- Flow cytometry: analysis of cellular phenotypes, proliferation, cell cycle, viability and cell death, metabolic parameters.
- Omics data analysis: processing, analysis and interpretation of RNA-seq and metabolomics datasets, including experience with MetaboAnalyst.
- In vivo experimentation on mouse model carcinogenesis.
- Scientific research and communication: independent analysis and interpretation of experimental data; rigorous experimental documentation and maintenance of an electronic laboratory notebook; and presentation of research findings at team meetings, seminars and national/international scientific conferences.
- English: excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to contribute to scientific manuscripts and present research findings in an international environment.
Specific Requirements
We need dedicated, ambitious and collaborative scientists with previous experience in metabolism and cancer cell biology and metabolism. Postdoctoral Training Fellows are expected to lead their own projects. The ability to work in a team is essential.
- Essential
- PhD in cancer biology or metabolism or in the final stages of PhD submission
- Robust knowledge and experience in cancer biology and metabolism
- Technical expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, metabolism and cancer.
- Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
- Evidence of data presentation in English at scientific meetings
- Experience of experimental design
- Technical metabolomics expertise
- Ability to work independently and capable of interacting within a group
- Desirable
- Proficiency in research with mouse models
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Languages: FRENCH
Level: Basic
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Additional Information
Benefits
Salary according to experiences or 35268 euros per year taxes included (2939 euros gross per month).
Mandatory group health insurance with the employer covering 50% of the basic plan and 50% of optional coverage, up to a maximum of €5.
Optional group retirement plan with the employer contributing €7 toward the basic plan.
Partial reimbursement of public transportation costs
Company cafeteria with employer contribution
Eligibility criteria
- Candidates who have recently obtained their PhD in cancer biology and metabolism and are looking to start their first postdoctoral position.
- Candidates in the final stages of PhD submission.
Selection process
To apply, please provide the following documents:
- A detailed curriculum vitae outlining your academic background, research experience, publications, skills, and other relevant professional experience.
- A motivation letter including a brief summary of research achievements, explaining your interest in the position and the project, and highlighting your relevant qualifications and experience.
- At least two letters of recommendation from previous PIs, including their names and email addresses).
Additional comments
PhD in cancer biology.
Knowledge and competence in cancer metabolism are highly recommended.
Certification in animal experimentation is preferred but not required.
Website for additional job details: https://www.c3m-nice.fr/equipes/equipe-03/
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Inserm U1065
Country: France
City: NICE CEDEX 3
Postal Code: 06204
Street: 151 ROUTE DE ST ANTOINE GINESTIERE
Contact
State/Province: BP2 3194
City: Nice
Website: https://www.c3m-nice.fr/
Street: Bâtiment Archimed, 151 route de Ginestière
Postal Code: 06204
E-Mail: Johanna.CHICHE@univ-cotedazur.fr