Offer Description
As part of the FluoPHOS project, supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR), we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in biology for a 14-month position at the BIOTARGEN research unit in Caen, France.
The FluoPHOS project is jointly conducted by three research laboratories: LCMT (Laboratoire de Chimie Moléculaire et Thio-organique) in Caen, IBMM (Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron) in Montpellier, and BIOTARGEN (Biologie, Génétique et Thérapies Ostéoarticulaires et Respiratoires) in Caen.
The project aims to develop new fluorinated phosphoramidites for incorporation into siRNA and miRNA sequences, with the objective of improving their thermal stability, resistance to nucleases, cellular uptake, and biological efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. The chemists involved in the project synthesize the oligonucleotides and characterize their physicochemical properties. The BIOTARGEN unit evaluates their biological effects in a therapeutic context, using miRNAs for chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma applications, and siRNAs in the context of cartilage tissue engineering for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
The biological effects of fluorinated analogs of a tumor-suppressive miRNA are evaluated in osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma cell lines under normoxic and/or hypoxic conditions. The analyses focus on their antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects, as well as on target-specific and off-target effects.
The biological effects of fluorinated COL1A1 siRNA analogs are investigated in human articular chondrocytes cultured in a cartilage organoid model under hypoxic conditions, with a particular focus on the chondrocyte phenotype.
Where to apply
E-mail: florence.legendre@unicaen.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Cellular biology : 2D and 3D (organoids) cell cultures of chondrocytes and osteoarticular cell lines under normoxic and hypoxic conditions ; Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry ; Cellular transfection.
Biochemistry : Protein extraction ; Western blotting ; Assays for metabolic activity, proliferation, cytotoxicity/viability, and apoptosis.
Molecular biology : Isolation of nucleic acids (large and small RNAs) ; quantitative RT-qPCR ; Loss-of-function studies using siRNA and miRNA.
Strong interpersonal skills, as well as excellent reporting and scientific writing abilities, are required.
Specific Requirements
PhD in Biology with a strong background in osteoarticular diseases and related research.
Languages
French. Proficiency in scientific English.
Research experience
Doctoral research experience in Biological Sciences.
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
PhD in biology
Selection process
Candidates are required to email their CV and cover letter to florence.legendre@unicaen.fr
Selection of candidates based on their CVs and cover letters. Interviews with shortlisted candidates.
Additional comments
Recruitment is expected to begin on November 1st 2026.
Website for additional job details: https://biotargen.unicaen.fr
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Université de Caen Normandie - Plateforme Normandie Equine Vallée
Country: France
City: Saint Contest
Postal Code: 14280
Street: 3 rue Nelson Mandela
Contact
City: Caen
Website: http://www.unicaen.fr
Street: Esplanade de la Paix 14032 CAEN CEDEX
Postal Code: CS 14032
E-Mail: florence.legendre@unicaen.fr