Postdoc in physical biology of chromosomes (M/F)

Job Description

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, in DNA repair and in diseases. In particular, chromosome misfolding may participate in gene deregulation, abnormal developmental cell trajectory and eventually in cancer.

Activity

The project aims at developing dedicated biophysical models to characterize the role of two fundamental mechanisms organizing the genome in space and time, namely cohesin-associated loop extrusion and phase-separation during DNA repair. The candidate will develop a research activity on the polymer modeling of chromosome folding of this process. It will involve the development of physical models, of efficient simulation schemes, and of statistical tools to analyze data. The candidate will collaborate with experimental biology groups of the PEPR Cell-ID working on understanding cell-fate derailment during pediatric brain cancers.

Your Profil

Skills

We are looking for creative, highly motivated candidates 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.

Your Work Environment

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, funded by the French National Research Agency. Cell-ID brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of laboratories from biophysics to developmental biology and clinical medicine around a common goal: understanding how cells acquire and maintain their identity during development and why some deviate from their normal trajectory to give rise to pathologies such as pediatric brain tumors.
Benefits of this collaboration:

A stimulating interdisciplinary work environment with regular interaction with research staff.
Professional support, including access to training programs.
An on-site company restaurant offering quality meals at subsidized rates.
Partial reimbursement of public transport passes (75%) or a sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300 per year.
A conveniently located site, easily accessible by public transport (metro, tram, bus) and bicycle.

Constraints and risks

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Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Starting from €3,071 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