Researcher in Glial Cell Biology (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The candidate's mission will be to characterize the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the inflammatory response of microglial cells, both in vitro and in vivo, in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. The recruited person will perform primary microglial cultures and implement a range of functional approaches (phagocytosis, ROS release, cytokine expression, mitochondrial viability) to characterize their activation state. They will also conduct behavioral experiments in mice as well as immunohistological and phenotypic analyses in order to correlate microglial alterations with the cognitive deficits observed in vivo.

Activity

In vitro approaches:
-Primary cultures of microglial cells
-Cultures of human iPSC-derived microglia
-Functional assays: cytokine expression measurements, ROS release, mitochondrial viability
-Immunofluorescence, including quantitative approaches
-Microscopy, in particular high-throughput approaches

In vivo / ex vivo approaches:
-Cognitive behavioral testing in mice (Y-maze, Barnes maze, EPM)
-Analysis and interpretation of behavioral data
-Immunohistochemistry and associated quantitative analyses
-Isolation of microglial cells
-Immunophenotyping (flow cytometry)

Your Profil

Skills

Education and experience
-PhD in Neuroscience
-Strong foundation in cell and molecular biology
-Knowledge of neuroinflammation and microglial cell biology
-Knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases is appreciated
-Command of scientific English, both spoken and written (C1 level)

Technical skills
-Primary cell culture, in particular microglia and hiPSC
-In vitro cellular approaches (phagocytosis, ROS release, mitochondrial viability)
-High-throughput microscopy; experience with the Opera/Revvity system would be a plus
-Flow cytometry / immunophenotyping
-Behavioral techniques in mice

Transferable skills
-Rigor, scientific curiosity, and critical thinking
-Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
-Aptitude for working in a multidisciplinary team (biologists, bioinformaticians, imaging engineers)
-Scientific writing skills (reports, publications)

Other desirable skills
-Notions of bioinformatics; ability to use or adapt analysis pipelines

Your Work Environment

The Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF) is a leading multidisciplinary research center located on the Arnaud de Villeneuve campus in Montpellier. The recruited person will join the "Purinergic Signaling and Brain Inflammation" team and will work under the supervision of Hélène Hirbec. They will benefit from a stimulating scientific environment. All cell culture, microscopy, and animal facility approaches are available in-house at the IGF or through the Biocampus core facilities hosted on the campus. The IGF is a signatory of the "Objectif Employeur Pro-Vélo" (Pro-Bike Employer) program.

Constraints and risks

-Work in a BSL-2 laboratory
-Work on shifted/irregular hours (including weekends) for hiPSC cultures
-Handling of "prion-like" tissues (appropriate training and protective equipment provided)

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

from 3071€ gross per month depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions