Missions

Inside cells, DNA is packed into a polymer-like structure called chromatin. Characterizing how chromatin self-organizes is one of the major challenges faced in recent years by biology. During the last decade, thanks to the development of advanced experimental techniques, major progresses have been realized in our understanding of the multi-scale chromosome organization. An increasing number of evidences has suggested that the spatio-temporal organization of the genome play a decisive role in the regulation of gene expression and in diseases. In particular, chromosome misfolding may participate in gene deregulation, abnormal developmental cell trajectory and eventually in cancer.

Activities

The research activity will focus on modeling chromosome folding and coupling polymer modeling with machine learning. Development of original biophysical models will be expected, including efficient simulation schemes, and machine learning/AI tools to analyze data. A strong collaboration with experimental biology groups of the PEPR Cell-ID will be involved, for a better understanding cell-fate derailment during pediatric brain cancers

Skills

We are looking for a creative, highly motivated candidate with a strong background in statistical or polymer physics, in computer science or in computational biology. Advanced skills in programming are required and a previous interdisciplinary experience in biophysical modeling is a plus.

Work Context

The candidate will integrate the team 'Physical Biology of Chromatin' that mainly focuses on understanding the fundamental bases of chromatin and gene regulation using biophysical modeling and computational approaches within a strong interdisciplinary environment. The group is part of the Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell that aims to characterize the molecular bases underlying the organization and functioning of cellular processes in normal and pathological conditions . It is based at Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, a French top-leading research and educational institute.

This project is part of the national PEPR Cell-ID program, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR). Cell-ID brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of institutes with fields ranging from biophysics to developmental biology and clinical medicine. All share a common goal : understanding how cells acquire and maintain identity during development and exploring why some deviate, giving rise to pathologies such as pediatric brain tumors.

The advantages of this collaboration:
• A stimulating interdisciplinary work environment in contact with research staff
• Professional support with training.
• A company restaurant with attractive prices.
• Partial reimbursement of transport costs (75%) or a sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300/year
• A site easily accessible by public transport (metro + trams + buses) and bicycle

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.