Offer Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated individual to join the ToxEMAC laboratory (ABTE, EA4651) at the University of Caen Normandy, Caen, France, for postdoctoral research under the supervision of Professor Siamak Haghdoost. This opportunity is part of the UBT-RAD project, which is funded by the EU funded PIANOFORTE project.
Description
Primary brain tumors account for approximately 1% of new cancer cases and 2% of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, they are the most common solid tumors in children. While malignant brain tumor incidence declined by approximately 0.8% annually between 2008 and 2017 among individuals of all ages, it increased by 0.5–0.7% per year among children and adolescents, highlighting a concerning trend.
Established risk factors for brain and other central nervous system tumors in children and adolescents include inherited genetic disorders and exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). Moderate-to-high doses of IR are among the strongest environmental risk factors for brain tumors. However, important questions remain regarding whether this association varies by tumor subtype, sex, age at exposure, or at low-to-moderate radiation doses.
The UBT-RAD project aims to investigate how low-to-moderate dose radiation exposure influences brain tumor development in genetically predisposed brain tissue. Radiation, even at low doses, may induce changes in the brain microenvironment that affect tumor initiation and progression.
UBT-RAD will explore the mechanisms underlying radiation-associated brain tumor development, focusing on three interconnected areas:
- Brain microenvironment: Radiation-induced changes in neural tissue and their effects on tumor development.
- Immune response: Radiation effects on immune signaling and tumor–microenvironment interactions.
- Redox status: The role of oxidative stress and redox regulation in radiation-induced tumor development.
By integrating these research areas in to system biology, UBT-RAD seeks to advance our understanding of the mechanisms linking low-to-moderate dose radiation exposure to brain tumor development and individual susceptibility.
The applicant will be responsible for conducting the proposed research project, handling mouse samples, supervising students, and actively participating in the laboratory’s scientific activities.
Research Fields
Molecular radiobiology. In the appointment process, special attention will be paid to research skills and work experiences particularly previous experiences in working in a radiobiology laboratory.
Where to apply
E-mail: siamak.haghdoost@unicaen.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Career Stage
The candidate must have a strong background in molecular/cell radiobiology with experiences in cell/stem cell culturing and handling animals.
Research Profile
The successful candidate should have a background in molecular radiobiology or a related discipline, with a strong interest in cancer biology. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the scientific literature and to integrate complex experimental data into a systems-level framework to achieve a mechanistic understanding of how radiation promotes carcinogenesis through non-mutational processes.
Strong communication skills, along with the motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment, are essential.
Requirements
The applicant must hold a doctoral degree from any country in Europe or an equivalent degree from other country. The applicant must have received a doctoral degree from an accredited college/university in the field of cell biology, radiobiology or molecular biology/genetics. Good English language skills, both written and spoken, are of important. Experiences in working at a radiobiology laboratory is a merit.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
- An opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research with high scientific and societal relevance.
- Mentoring and collaboration with other international, interdisciplinary team within the project UBT-RAD and PIANOFORTE.
- Career development support and visibility through conference participation and publications.
Selection process
Application
Please include the following information with your application
- Your contact details and personal data*
- Your highest degree*
- Your language skills
- Contact details for 2–3 references
and, in addition, please include the following documents
- Cover letter*
- CV* – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications*
- Copy of PhD diploma*
- 3 reference persons*
Items marked with an asterisk (*) are obligatory.
Additional comments
Date of recruitment: not later than January 2027
Type of contract: The position involves full-time employment for a 18 months period with possibility to prolongation, at ABTE (EA4651), laboratory ToxEMAC. University of Caen, Normandy
Status: Post-doctoral position or Researcher position
Gross Salary: to be discussed
Further information about the position can be obtained from Prof. Siamak Haghdoost. Siamak.Haghdoost@unicaen.fr University of Caen Normandie.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Université de Caen Normandie - ABTE research unit
Country: France
City: Caen
Postal Code: 14032
Street: Boulevard du Maréchal Juin
Contact
City: Caen
Website: http://www.unicaen.fr
Street: Esplanade de la Paix 14032 CAEN CEDEX
Postal Code: CS 14032
E-Mail: siamak.haghdoost@unicaen.fr