Offer Description
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE at the François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center in Caen, France, and contribute to the RESTOR project (Restoring sensitivity to DNA-damaging therapies through UBE2N inhibition), funded by the French National Cancer Institute (INCa). RESTOR aims to develop an innovative therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance to DNA-damaging treatments through inhibition of UBE2N, a key regulator of DNA repair,…
replication fork stability and genome integrity. The project investigates whether UBE2N inhibition can induce a therapeutically exploitable homologous recombination-deficient (HRD)-like phenotype and restore sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy, PARP inhibitors and radiotherapy. The successful candidate will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying UBE2N inhibition and its therapeutic effects using patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs), patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and cellular models from ovarian cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The project combines mechanistic cancer biology, DNA damage response, functional precision oncology, pharmacology, functional genomics and translational preclinical research.
The candidate will contribute to:
- characterization of DNA damage response, homologous recombination, replication stress and replication fork stability;
- evaluation of combinations of UBE2N inhibitors with platinum-based chemotherapy, PARP inhibitors and radiotherapy;
- functional validation in PDTO and PDX models;
- investigation of mechanisms of treatment resistance;
- identification of molecular determinants and predictive biomarkers of treatment response;
- transcriptomic and functional genomics analyses in collaboration with consortium partners.
The position offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary translational cancer research environment. The postdoctoral fellow will interact with cancer biologists, clinicians, bioinformaticians and technology platforms within a consortium involving research teams in Caen and Lille.
Where to apply
E-mail: lb.weiswald@baclesse.unicancer.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology or a closely related discipline.
- Strong background in translational cancer research.
- Demonstrated experience with in vivo experiments in mice, preferably including patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.
- Experience in mammalian cell culture; experience with 3D culture systems, organoids, spheroids or primary cultures is highly desirable.
- Solid knowledge of DNA damage response, DNA repair, homologous recombination, replication stress and/or genome stability.
- Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.
- Experience in pharmacological studies and/or evaluation of anticancer treatment combinations is desirable.
- Ability to work independently and to interact effectively within a multidisciplinary research consortium.
- Strong organizational, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent scientific English, written and spoken.
Specific Requirements
The candidate must have obtained their PhD less than three years before the starting date of the postdoctoral contract.
Practical experience with in vivo mouse experimentation is required.
Experience with PDX models is strongly desirable.
Experience with patient-derived tumor organoids is considered an advantage.
Knowledge or practical experience in cancer immunology and/or immuno-oncology would be considered a strong advantage, particularly regarding STING signaling, the tumor microenvironment or antitumor immune responses.
Experience with transcriptomics, bioinformatics or functional genomics would be considered an asset.
The candidate must be able to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a collaborative, multidisciplinary project.
Research experience
Biological sciences → Cancer biology / Molecular biology / Translational oncology: 1-4 years
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Biological sciences
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Additional Information
Benefits
36-month full-time postdoctoral position at Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE, François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, Caen, France.
Work within ORGAPRED, an IBiSA-labelled and ISO9001-certified tumor organoid research platform.
Access to clinically annotated patient-derived tumor models, including PDTOs and PDXs.
Access to advanced technologies for functional precision oncology, imaging, drug screening and molecular characterization.
Interaction with clinicians, cancer biologists, bioinformaticians and technology platforms within a multidisciplinary research environment.
Participation in consortium meetings, scientific conferences and dissemination activities.
Opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and future research projects.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates must:
- hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology or a related discipline;
- have obtained their PhD less than three years before 01/03/2027;
- have documented experience in experimental cancer research;
- have practical experience with in vivo mouse experimentation;
- demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team;
- have sufficient proficiency in written and spoken scientific English.
Selection process
Application deadline: 31 october 2026
Expected starting date: March 2027
Please submit a CV with contact information of two referees, and a motivation letter describing your research background, relevant experience, and interest in the RESTOR project. Applications should be sent to:
Dr. Louis-Bastien Weiswald
Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE – François Baclesse Cancer Center
lb.weiswald@baclesse.unicancer.fr
Dr. Matthieu Meryet-Figuière
Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE – François Baclesse Cancer Center
m.meryet-figuiere@baclesse.unicancer.fr
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- academic and research background;
- relevance of previous research experience to the RESTOR project;
- practical expertise in cancer biology and in vivo experimentation;
- experience with PDTO/PDX models and/or DNA repair biology;
- scientific publications and research achievements;
- ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary research environment;
- motivation and interest in the proposed research.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the research team. The final selection will be based on the candidate's qualifications, research experience, motivation and suitability for the project.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Université de Caen Normandie - Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE – François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center
Country: France
City: Caen
Postal Code: 14076
Street: 3 avenue du général Harris
Contact
City: Caen
Website: http://www.unicaen.fr
Street: Esplanade de la Paix 14032 CAEN CEDEX
Postal Code: CS 14032
E-Mail: lb.weiswald@baclesse.unicancer.fr
E-Mail: m.meryet-figuiere@baclesse.unicancer.fr