Postdoctorant/Postdoctorant (M/F) in Molecular Biology

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will participate in a project aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control the generation of muscle diversity during development. The project will combine approaches in developmental biology, genetics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, advanced imaging, and bioinformatics.
The main objective will be to identify the gene networks involved in muscle morphogenesis, reconstruct their organization in space and time, and test their function in vivo using Drosophila and/or mouse models.

Activity

The successful candidate will be expected to:
• Perform developmental biology and genetics experiments in Drosophila and/or mouse models.
• Prepare and analyze samples for single-cell and/or single-nucleus sequencing approaches.
• Participate in the development and use of 3D spatial transcriptomics approaches.
• Analyze gene expression and regulatory networks associated with muscle diversification.
• Reconstruct the spatial and temporal organization of the cell populations involved in muscle formation.
• Use genetic tools to selectively modify the genotype of myoblasts or muscles during development.
• Study the consequences of these manipulations on muscle architecture using advanced microscopy.
• Contribute to the analysis of locomotor phenotypes using behavioral assays.
• Participate in the bioinformatic analysis of the generated data, in collaboration with other team members.
• Present results at team meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Contribute to the writing of scientific articles.

Your Profil

Skills

Candidates should have a background in biology, bioinformatics, developmental biology, genetics, molecular biology, or a related field.
Desired skills:
• Knowledge of developmental biology.
• Experience in molecular biology and/or genetics.
• Interest in morphogenesis, cell differentiation, and muscle diversity.
• Experience with Drosophila and/or mouse models would be appreciated.
• Experience in single-cell or single-nucleus sequencing would be appreciated.
• Experience in spatial transcriptomics would be appreciated.
• Knowledge of gene network analysis would be appreciated.
• Skills in bioinformatics and data analysis would be appreciated.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Scientific rigor, curiosity, and motivation for an interdisciplinary project.
• Good level of written and spoken scientific English.

Your Work Environment

The work will be carried out at the Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, at the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, on the Lyon Gerland campus. The IGFL offers an international and interdisciplinary scientific environment at the interface of evolution, development, functional genomics, integrative physiology, bioinformatics, and genetics.
The successful candidate will join a team studying the mechanisms that control muscle formation, identity, and function during development. They will benefit from a stimulating environment, state-of-the-art equipment, and access to technological platforms for single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and advanced microscopy, including confocal microscopy and 3D STED microscopy.
The project is part of a collaborative framework combining experimental and computational approaches. The successful candidate will interact with biologists, bioinformaticians, engineers, and imaging specialists.

Constraints and risks

The position involves work in a biology laboratory, with the usual constraints associated with the handling of biological samples, chemical reagents, and microscopy equipment. Some experiments may require the use of animal models, in strict compliance with current regulations and applicable ethical procedures.
The main risks are those associated with standard laboratory activities: handling chemical reagents, using microscopy equipment, potential exposure to microscopy lasers, and handling biological samples. Mandatory training and appropriate safety instructions will be provided before any experimental work.
The work may occasionally require flexible working hours due to experimental constraints, in particular for monitoring specific developmental stages, sample preparation, or long imaging acquisitions.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

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